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Home » Early Years Science » Does it Sink or Float? – Pirate Style

Does it Sink or Float? – Pirate Style

Modified: Sep 22, 2019 · Published: Aug 18, 2014 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Sinking and floating is great first science activity for even very young children ( carefully supervised ) and can easily be extended for older children. We’re all about the pirates this week, so collected lots of pirate themed treasure to test. Do you know why things float in water?

What you need for a pirate sink or float activity

A large container half filled with water

Pirate treasure – coins, necklaces, bracelets etc

Somewhere to record your results. This could be paper, a chalkboard, whiteboard etc.

Plasticine or boats made from plastic containers – to extend the task

pirate treasure in a container ready for a sink or float preschool science investigation
Pirate treasure for a sink or float investigation

How to carry out a sink or float investigation

Ask the children to feel each object and predict whether each one will sink or float.

Record the predictions in a table 

Test each item by dropping it carefully into the water.

Record the results for each item in the table.

Pirate treasure being tested to see if it sinks or floats

More sink or float investigation ideas

Make a boat using plasticine, check it floats and then carefully place each object that sank inside the boat. They should now float!

Boats made from recycled plastic tubs or even lemon skin also work well for this. We just used an empty tub and plasticine to attach the mast.

boats made from recycled material and lemon skin
Recycled Boats for Early Years Science

If you want to make a fancier homemade pirate ship, Red Ted Art has a great one.

To extend the learning further, try this fun pirate sorting game from Rainy Day Mum.

Another idea is to wrap the sinking pirate treasure in bubble wrap to reduce their density. This should also make them float!

More Pirate Activities for Kids

I’ve got lots more early years pirate science investigations and activities. These include making a treasure map, density jar and even creating pirate codes.

Do you have any pirate science activities or ideas to share with us?

Pirate style sink or float investigation - great for Early years Science #pirateactivities #piratecrafts #piratescienceforkids #piratescience

Last Updated on September 22, 2019 by Emma Vanstone

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Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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