Science
Will it float or sink? Predict and observe
Predict whether eight familiar objects will float or sink, test each one gently and record what happened. Pupils then draw an observation, count how many predictions were right and try reshaping plasticine into a simple boat.
Name the objects before making a prediction. The floating and sinking results stay unanswered.
Read the complete materialRead the material
Predict whether eight familiar objects will float or sink, test each one gently and record what happened. Pupils then draw an observation, count how many predictions were right and try reshaping plasticine into a simple boat.
Shared activity record. Use the preview for diagrams and layout.
Page 1
GROUP NAME CLASS DATE I CAN predict test it fairly say what happened 1 Predict. Circle what you think will happen. 2 Test. Lower it in gently. Count to 5. 3 Record. Circle what really happened. CIRCLE LIKE THIS 8 objects OBJECT 1 I THINK IT WILL 3 IT REALLY DID WAS I RIGHT? 1 apple float sink floated sank 2 coin float sink floated sank 3 cork float sink floated sank 4 metal spoon float sink floated sank 5 wooden block float sink floated sank 6 stone float sink floated sank 7 plastic bottle lid float sink floated sank 8 ball of plasticine float sink floated sank Float or sink 1 PREDICT 2 TEST 3 DRAW 4 THINK SCIENCE AGES 6 TO 8 FLOATING AND SINKING Will it float or sink? Find out which objects float and which sink. N float A My float or sink test Page 1 of 2
Page 2
Draw one object in each tank. Show where it was: at the top or at the bottom. Float or sink 1 PREDICT 2 TEST 3 DRAW 4 THINK SCIENCE AGES 6 TO 8 DRAW AND THINK What did I see? B Draw what you saw floated water line IT WAS A sank water line IT WAS A C Think about it Count your ticks on page 1. I was right times out of 8. I was surprised by ... Me GO FURTHER The plasticine ball sank. Can you make it float? 1. Squash it flat. 2. Push up the sides to make a boat. 3. Lower it onto the water gently. My boat: floated sank Page 2 of 2
A teaching sequence
Make a prediction, observe a test and describe whether an object floated or sank.
Name the objects before making a prediction. The floating and sinking results stay unanswered.
Read the complete materialPredict before each supervised test
For each object, circle float or sink as a prediction before placing it in the water. The sheet includes an apple, coin, cork, metal spoon, wooden block, stone, plastic bottle lid and plasticine ball.
What do you expect this particular object to do?
Name the objects before making a prediction. The floating and sinking results stay unanswered.
Read the complete materialLower gently and record the observation
Lower one object gently into the water and observe where it settles. Circle whether it floated or sank and mark whether the prediction was right.
What actually happened after the object was placed in water?
Draw positions and compare predictions
Draw one observed object at the surface and one at the bottom, then count correct predictions out of eight. Describe a surprising result through what happened rather than what was predicted.
Which result surprised you, and where did the object settle?
Test a supervised plasticine shape change
For the extension, reshape the plasticine ball into a boat and test whether it floats, with an adult supervising the water and materials.
How does the boat-shaped trial compare with the observed ball trial?
Before you teach
Look for the thinking behind an answer, choose the support your class needs and leave room for an independent response.
What to look for
Check that predictions were recorded before testing and that observations match what happened. Ask pupils to describe what they saw rather than relying only on the tick. Compare objects without implying that material name alone always predicts the result.
Give a little support
Demonstrate with one object first and use the same container and water level for each test. Offer picture choices, pointing or adult scribing. Keep water shallow, supervise closely and avoid small objects that are unsuitable for the pupils.
Take the idea further
Ask pupils to change the shape of one object while keeping its material the same, then predict and test again. They can compare a ball and boat shape and describe how the outcome changed.
Things to keep in mind
The task records observations but does not explain all factors that affect floating. Results can depend on shape, trapped air and object construction. Water play and small objects require close adult supervision and an age-appropriate risk check.
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Ideas for using this resource
Sample teaching perspectives on what to try, what to adapt and what to watch for.
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Step by Step
The two-page activity asks pupils to predict, gently test and record what happened for eight objects, then draw where they were in the water. The plasticine extension changes the ball into a boat and asks whether it floats.
Open Book Pause
For ages 6 to 8, the page separates prediction from observation and then asks how many predictions were right. That gives children a way to compare what they expected with what they saw.
Clear Example
The child can circle float or sink before and after the test, then draw an object at the waterline or bottom. An adult can read each step aloud and help keep the record focused on one object at a time.
Tea at Breaktime
The result applies to each tested object and the stated test, not every object made of that material. Follow local water-play supervision and use the plasticine boat as a further question rather than proof of a broad rule.