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Float or Sink?

Science Unit: Physical Science

Lesson Title/Description: Float or Sink?

Standard(s) Addressed: 1.3.1 Characteristics of Materials

Objective(s): Identify materials that float or sink

Materials:

• 1small plastic boat,
• 1 small boat with sails,
•  2 paper plates-1 marked SINK 1 marked FLOAT,
• plastic tub w/ water,
• metal-fork and nail,
• paper clip,
• wooden objects,
• plastic objects,
• coins, etc.

References: Textbook- Science Horizons,Discovering My World- Silver Burdett & Ginn

Preparation/Introduction:

Put objects (1 large object that sinks, 1 small object that floats) in water. Question when they conclude that one was bigger so it floated, then put in a large board that floats, and a small marble. Explain that size has nothing to do with buoyancy.

Instructional Method:

First day-each child selects an object and guesses wether it will sink or float and drops it in the water. Then place the object on the plate marked either SINK or FLOAT , depending on what it does. When all have had a turn, classify the objects into wood, plastic, metal, misc. Conclude which ones float/sink. Day 2-Children may bring an object from home or select something around the room for testing for SINK/FLOAT. Chart how long it takes for some things to sink.(Ex. Baby food jar with and without lid.) Also show how plastic spoons float compared to metal spoons. Day 3- Big Shared Book Discovering My World P. 20-21 I used a small plastic boat that would float in the tub. We then discussed boats with and without sails and how we could make the boat sail faster. This was a great introduction to the unit on wind.

Describe how this lesson incorporated hands-on inquiry science methods:

Students were able to: each have a turn to try out the float/sink experiment for themselves

Describe how this lesson enhanced higher level thinking skills for students: Choosing if an object would sink or float and then selecting the correct plate to classify it on. I used the word buoyancy several times during the lesson. The children like big words and some may remember the word and its meaning from this experiment.

Describe any collaboration used to contribute to the lesson:

Assessment:

Check up master: Pg 79 of Kdgt resource Book-Science Horizons If appropriate, attach other materials used to complete this lesson. (Worksheets, handouts, etc.) Read "Mr. Gumpys Outing" by John Burningham during Reading Readiness on one of these days

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