You might think sink or float experiments are just for small children, but you can do some great investigations with older children along the same theme.
Do you know how to make a lemon sink? Or can you make an object that sinks, float?
Sink or float investigation for little ones
You'll need
A large bowl of water
Objects to test (anything you like, but good to pick some solid and some hollow objects)
Instructions
Fill the bowl or container about ⅔ full of water.
Gently place the objects on the water; some objects will float when you gently put them on the water but sink when you drop them.
Can you predict which objects will float and which will sink?
Can you design a table for recording your results?
Another idea is to set up a pirate style sink or float experiment or a lego themed investigation is great fun too!
Why do some things float and some things sink?
Whether an object floats or sinks depends on its density. Density is how tightly packed the material inside an object is. Just because something is heavy does not mean it will sink. For example, ships are very heavy but not very dense, so they float.
Another idea is to make a boat from plasticine and use it to demonstrate how marbles or similar objects sink independently but hopefully float inside the boat.
More sink or float science experiments for kids
Make boats with recycled materials and test them to see if they sink or float. Try adding extra weight to investigate how much they can hold without sinking!
Make an egg float using salt. Adding salt to water increases the density of the water. If the water becomes denser than the egg, the egg will float!
Discover how many coins it takes to sink a tinfoil boat. This is a great addition or counting activity for younger children, too.
Edventures with Kids tests different fruits and vegetables to see if they float or sink.
Little boats made with fruit ( melon or lemon skin ) are also fun to make and test.
Can you think of any more sink or float experiments for us?
Last Updated on October 14, 2024 by Emma Vanstone
Lorraine says
Kolmas kerta toden sanoi, sillä mäkin oon pyyöittänrt tätä moneen otteeseen, mutta jättäny ostamatta just hinnan takia 🙂 (eilen oli palkkapäivä eli meni sen piikkiin). Ajattelin, että Hayn peileihin verrattuna 15 egee ei oo kyllä mitään!