Floats or Sinks

Looking Around 2 — Water / Plants Around Us. Playing with objects in water while learning about water links directly to this floating and sinking topic.

• Some objects float on water (they stay on top).
• Some objects sink in water (they go down/under).
• We can test many everyday objects to see if they float or sink.

Verbal: An object that floats stays on the surface of water. An object that sinks goes down to the bottom.

Symbolic: Drop object in water -> stays on top = float; goes down = sink.

Level 1 — Things that float

A wooden block, a dry leaf, a plastic ball, and a paper boat all float on water.

Level 1 — Things that sink

A stone, an iron nail, a steel spoon, and a coin all sink in water.

Level 2 — Testing before deciding

We should not just guess — we can gently place an object in water and watch what happens.

Level 2 — India

A wooden boat floats on a river, while a metal anchor thrown from the boat sinks to the riverbed.

Will a small stone float or sink in a bucket of water?

Step 1 — Gently place the stone on the water's surface.
Step 2 — Watch what happens to it.
Step 3 — The stone goes down to the bottom.
Answer: A stone sinks in water.

• Name two objects that float on water.
• Name two objects that sink in water.
• Would a plastic ball float or sink? Why do you think so?

Stretch: List five objects at home and guess if each floats or sinks. Then test them in a tub of water with an elder's help.

Revision tip: Draw two columns, "Floats" and "Sinks", and sort five objects you see today.

Open the Practice tab for graded questions on Floats or Sinks.