Testing Objects in Water

Looking Around 2 — Water. Doing a simple hands-on activity with water and objects connects to the unit's focus on water in daily life.

• We can predict first, then test to see if an object floats or sinks.
• Always ask an adult before doing a water activity, and never lean too far over water.
• We can record our results in a simple table.

Verbal: A fair test means placing each object gently into the same water and watching what happens, one at a time.

Symbolic: Predict -> Test (place gently in water) -> Observe -> Record (float/sink) -> Compare with prediction.

Level 1 — Steps to test an object

Guess first, then gently place the object in water, and watch if it floats or sinks.

Level 1 — Water safety

Always test with an adult nearby; never lean far over a tub, bucket, or pond.

Level 2 — Recording results

Make a simple two-column list: "Floats" and "Sinks", and write each object's name under the correct column.

Level 2 — India

Testing a small clay diya (lamp) and a leaf boat in a bucket at home during a Diwali craft activity, safely with an adult.

How can you test if a plastic spoon floats or sinks, the fair and safe way?

Step 1 — Guess (predict) whether it will float or sink.
Step 2 — With an adult nearby, gently place the spoon on the water's surface.
Step 3 — Watch carefully and write down what actually happens.
Answer: Predict, test gently and safely, then record the real result.

• What should you do first, before placing an object in water?
• Why should an adult be present during this activity?
• How can you record whether five objects floated or sank?

Stretch: Test three objects at home with an elder, and compare your predictions to what actually happened.

Revision tip: Remember the order: Predict, Test gently and safely, Observe, Record.

Open the Practice tab for graded questions on Testing Objects in Water.