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Sink or Float?
Will it sink? Or will it float? It’s time for another simple science experiment with our young scientists! With items from around your home, run a few tests and encourage your child to learn through the scientific method including making predictions, observations and conclusions about sinking and floating items.
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Large tub or container filled with water
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Miscellaneous items from around the house to test in the experiment (cars, ball, dolls, spoons, sponge, cotton ball, cookie cutter, an apple, etc.)
Tip: Objects that are denser (heavier) than water will sink and objects that are less dense (lighter) than water will float.
Engaging with Your Child:
Place the container of water in a place that you wouldn’t mind getting wet and have the test materials nearby. Ask your child, “What do you think will happen to this apple if I put it in the water? Will it sink or will it float?” Encourage your child to test other items from the materials gathered, “Let’s test something else. Which item would you like to test out next in our experiment?” Along the way encourage a conversation that would promote thinking and allow children to share their thought process with you “What do you think will happen once we put the car in the water? Why do you think the car sank?”
More advanced: Using a simple chart, make and record predictions about the objects before testing them in the water. After, compare predictions with the results of the testing. Were your predictions correct?
EarlyON