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    Home » Sink or Float Experiments for Kids

    Sink or Float Experiments for Kids

    June 30, 2011 By Emma Vanstone 4 Comments

    You might think sink or float experiments are just for small children, but there are some great investigations you can do 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?

    make a lemon 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 place them on the water gently, but sink when you drop them.

    Can you predict which objects will float and which will sink?

    Can you design a table to record your results?

    Another idea is to set up a pirate style sink or float experiment or a lego theme investigation is always 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.

    Something else to try would be to make a boat from plasticine and show how marbles or something similar sink on their own, but hopefully float when inside the boat.

    More science experiments for kids

    Make boats with recycled materials and test 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.

    egg floating because of salt in the water - a fun sink or float experiment for kids

    Discover how many coins it takes to sink a tinfoil boat!

    tinfoil boat

    Edventures with Kids tests different fruits and vegetables to see if they float or sink.

    Can you think of any more sink or float experiments for us?

    Collage or sink or float experiments for kids #scienceforkids #sinkorfloat #EYFS #ScienceforEYFS

    Last Updated on June 26, 2020 by Emma Vanstone

    « How to make a volcano
    Science through play »

    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.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lorraine

      March 08, 2017 at 9:42 pm

      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!

      Reply

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