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Explore Water

Teaching Strategies

Sink or Float

Children will test whether the weight, shape, or type of material something is made out of helps it float or sink. Then they will investigate ways to make boats float and sink. The activities can take place indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather.    

Time: 20-30 Minutes
Sink or Float?
Test out different objects—do they sink or float?
Time: 20-30 Minutes
Floating and Sinking Balls
Which balls float? Which ones sink?
Time: 20-30 Minutes
Gently Down the Stream
Make a stream outdoors and discover what floats down it. 
Time: 20-30 Minutes
Boats Afloat
Make boats that can float.  
Time: 20-30 Minutes
Penny Boat
Make a boat that can hold lots of pennies and still float. 
  1. Peep and friends!
  2. National Science Foundation
  3. 9Story
  4. American Public Television
  5. TVOntario

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