sink or float experiments for first grade

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Written by Nadia T • Feb 8, 2024 • 4 Comments

Sink Or Float Experiment + Worksheet

This sink or float experiment  for kids is a great way to learn about weight, buoyancy, and density. Children will predict whether the object will sink or float in water and then can write their prediction on the free sink or float worksheet.

We LOVE doing science experiments for kids , and while this activity is geared towards kids 3-7 years old, it’s fun for a large variety of age groups. This is because the older they get, the more “creative” they’ll get with the items that they want to use to sink if they sink or float Related: Have you tried making Ice Cream In A Bag ?

Table of Contents

If you’re looking for a way to add some interesting aspects to home learning or even homeschooling, this is a fun experiment for the kids. You just need to gather up some simple household items and have your child look at them and make their predictions.

Once they get the hang out of it, they’re going to be using this reference in their everyday lives. Maybe the next time you go swimming, they’ll ask if they’ll sink or float when they jump in the pool? Isn’t it great how everything learning can be used easily in everyday life?

You’ll find that a simple Science experiment such as this sink or float experiment is an easy way to get the kids working together, without even really trying.

Why do objects sink or float?

1. Density : Density is a measure of how much mass is contained in a given volume. Objects with greater density than water will sink, while those with less density will float. For example, metals like iron are denser than water, so they sink.

2. Buoyancy : Buoyancy is the upward force exerted by a fluid (in this case, water) on an object immersed in it. This force opposes the weight of the object. Objects that are less dense than water displace an amount of water equal to their weight, causing them to float. Objects that are denser than water displace less water than their weight, so the buoyant force is less than the object’s weight, causing it to sink.

3. Shape and Volume : The shape and volume of an object also play a role in whether it sinks or floats. Even if an object is denser than water, it may float if it has a shape that allows it to displace enough water to generate buoyant force greater than its weight. This is why some boats, made of materials denser than water, float—they are designed to displace a large volume of water, creating enough buoyant force to keep them afloat.

Materials required for the sink or float activity:

You’ll need some materials to get started with this experiment. But also feel free to use other items that you have in your home as well.

• Water container/water table – we used the Ikea Flisat table.
• Objects to use. Choose a combination of items that will sink and those that will float. Items like a button, pencil, flower, crayon, apple, rubber duck, small ball, leaf, pear, etc.
• Printable (found at the bottom of this post, if you’d like to have your student record their predictions and results.)

Which objects sink?

• Metal objects such as paper clips, keys, or screws
• Rocks or pebbles used for sensory play or decoration
• Glass items such as marbles or small glass beads
• Some types of wooden blocks or manipulatives
• Playdough or clay sculptures
• Some types of plastic toys that are denser or heavier
• Coins or tokens used for counting or sorting activities
• Some types of art supplies like ceramic or pottery pieces

These items are usually denser or heavier than water, causing them to sink when placed in water during sink or float experiments or sensory play in preschool classrooms.

Which objects float?

Preschool classroom items that often float include:

• Rubber or plastic toys (such as ducks, boats, or figurines)
• Foam letters or shapes used for learning activities
• Plastic building blocks or manipulatives
• Empty plastic containers or bottles
• Corks or stoppers from various art or craft supplies
• Styrofoam cups or plates used during snack time
• Floating bath books or water-friendly storybooks
• Some types of crayons or markers with plastic casings

These items are typically lightweight and have a lower density compared to water, allowing them to float easily during sink or float experiments or water play activities in preschool classrooms.

Set up the sink or float experiment

Since there is water involved, you might want to set it up outside or on your porch, but if you don’t have that option, don’t worry. You can easily lay down some towels on the floor and have this experiment inside, too.

Once you have gathered up those items, it’s time to get started. (Don’t forget to print out your worksheet below!)

The easiest way to get started is to have your child pick one item, feel the weight of it, write down the item on their sheet and then make a prediction about whether or not it’s going to sink or float.

Then, once they put it into the water, they need to follow that up by recording the correct action that happened.

Talk about this sink or float experiment and why they think that some things are sinking while others are floating. It’s a great way to extend the learning time and to have them active and involved as well.

Questions to discuss after the experiment:

• What did all the items that floated have in common? What about those that sunk?

Did you know that oil has a different density from water? We explored this concept in our fireworks In a jar oil and water science experiment

Other ways to use this sink or float experiment

Once your child gets the hang of how it works, you can even have it to where they’re using two items at the same time and trying to guess which one will sink faster than the other.

Or, have your children take turns and use creative play as though they’re scientists in a lab.

Let them use their imaginations as well when using this science activity!

Make sure to talk about items that are safe (and not safe to put in water) before they go exploring to find more items that can they can use in the sink and float experiment.

(and just in case, be right there with them supervising so that they don’t decide to test out your cell phone to see if it sinks or floats!)

Here’s what students will learn when engaging in sink or float activities:

1. Observation Skills : Preschoolers will learn to observe the behavior of different objects in water. They will notice whether the objects sink to the bottom or float on the surface.

2. Predictions : Engaging in sink or float activities encourages children to make predictions about whether an object will sink or float before testing it out. This helps develop their ability to make educated guesses based on prior knowledge and observations.

3. Cause and Effect : By testing various objects in water, preschoolers begin to understand the cause-and-effect relationship between an object’s properties (such as weight, shape, and density) and its behavior in water.

4. Classification : Students will learn to classify objects based on whether they sink or float. This helps them understand basic concepts of categorization and sorting.

5. Critical Thinking : Sink or float activities promote critical thinking as children explore why certain objects sink while others float. They begin to ask questions and seek explanations, fostering a curious and inquisitive mindset.

6. Comparing and Contrasting : Preschoolers will compare and contrast different objects based on their sinking or floating behavior. This helps them develop skills in recognizing similarities and differences.

7. Problem-Solving Skills : When an object behaves unexpectedly (e.g., a heavy object floats), children engage in problem-solving to understand why it occurred. This encourages them to think creatively and analytically to solve the puzzle.

8. Language Development : Engaging in discussions about sink or float activities enhances language development. Children learn new vocabulary related to buoyancy, density, and properties of objects as they describe their observations and share their findings with others.

9. Hands-On Exploration : Sink or float activities provide hands-on learning experiences that are essential for preschoolers’ cognitive and sensory development. Manipulating objects in water stimulates their senses and enhances their understanding of the physical world.

10. Curiosity and Wonder : Most importantly, sink or float activities spark children’s curiosity and wonder about the world around them. They become excited about science and discovery, laying a foundation for lifelong learning.

Don’t forget to print out your free worksheet printable here!

WHERE TO GET THE ACTIVITY

GET THE SINK OR FLOAT ACTIVITY HERE

Check out the Pop Rocks and Soda Experiment too!

Tips for this Sink and Float Experiment

Build your child’s confidence by letting them take over and fun the show. After learning for a short time, they’re going to be ready to take over and experiment.

Step back and become their “assistant” in the science lab. That way, they’re in charge of the experiment and you’re just there to help them as needed.

Having a towel handy to dry off items is also a good idea. Saves a big mess from happening!

Once your child has gone through all the items, use some math skills and count up how many items sunk versus how many items actually floated.

Don’t forget to change up the items and let them do this sink or float experiment over and over again!

Like Science activities for kids ? Check out these as well:

• Water In A Bag Pencil Experiment – Water Experiment for Kids
• Rain Cloud In A Jar Science Experiment
• Walking Water Experiments For Kids
• How To Make A Lava Lamp Experiment
• Baking Soda Volcano Experiment

More Science Experiments

Nadia is a mom of 4, with a passion for making childhood education fun through play. She encourages parents to spend quality time with their kids through fun kids activities and enjoys art, traveling, and doing activities with her children.

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Reader Interactions

August 29, 2021 at 10:37 am

Just came across this and it was just what I needed. Can’t wait to use it with my primary classes. Thank you for creating it and I look forward to seeing all your TPT items.

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Easy 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 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 boa t . 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

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

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!

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Fall Sink or Float Experiment

Why do some objects float while others sink? This simple fall sink or float experiment uses seasonal materials to explore buoyancy and density in a fun way. Using pumpkins, pinecones, and other autumn objects, kids will make predictions, observe results, and learn scientific concepts that relate directly to the world around them.

STEM Sink or Float Activity with Fall Materials

This activity teaches two essential scientific principles: buoyancy and density . Objects float if they are less dense than water. For example, pumpkins contain air pockets that make them buoyant despite their size. Acorns and other denser objects sink.

Shape also influences buoyancy—objects that spread weight evenly or trap air inside (like leaves) are more likely to float. As kids test various materials, they will explore how these factors work together in real-life scenarios.

💡 Explore our original sink or float experiment for interesting items to test!

Grade Recommendation: This activity is ideal for Preschool through 2nd grade.

• Transparent bowl or deep tray filled halfway with water
• Small pumpkin
• Pumpkin seeds
• Optional: Printable worksheet for recording predictions and observations (below)

Preparation:

• Fill the bowl or tray with water.
• Collect the fall items to be tested.
• Set up the workspace, either for independent or small-group work.
• Print the optional worksheet to guide predictions and recording.

Discussion Questions

• Why do you think the pumpkin floated even though it was heavy?
• Did anything surprise you about the results?
• What would happen if you filled the bowl with more water or used different materials?

How To Teach Sink or Float Science To Young Kids

Ask students to predict which items will sink and which will float. Use the worksheet to mark predictions.

Place each item in the water and observe what happens. Encourage children to observe—some items may float initially but sink over time.

Record the results by drawing pictures or writing observations on the worksheet. This helps children process their findings and engage with the scientific method.

💡 Find more fantastic Fall Science Experiments , including temperature change and fall density colum ns.

Fall Sink or Float Science

• Density: Objects like pumpkins float because they contain air inside, reducing their overall density.
• Buoyancy: Items that experience an upward force from the water greater than their weight will float. Pinecones may float at first but could sink as they absorb water.
• Shape and Air Pockets: Leaves float because they spread across the surface, but if they absorb water, they may eventually sink.

💡 Explore more easy to set up examples of density and buoyancy !

Extension Activities

• Nature Walk: Encourage students to collect their objects during a nature walk, such as leaves, acorns, or sticks. This connects learning to their everyday environment and increases engagement with the activity. Use our printable nature hunt checklist [here] .
• Saltwater Experiment : Repeat the activity with saltwater to show how increased water density affects buoyancy.
• Graphing Results: Create a simple bar graph to visualize how many items sank versus floated, introducing students to data representation.
• Pumpkin Investigation: Explore the inside of a pumpkin to see what makes it float.

Printable Fall STEM Projects Pack

This 200+ page fall theme pack complements both the apple and pumpkin packs. There are no overlaps!

What’s Included:

• 20+ Fall theme science and STEM activities  with printable sheets, instructions, journal pages, and useful information all using easy-to-source materials perfect for limited time needs. Includes a fall theme engineering pack with fun, problem-based challenges for kids to solve
• Leaf-themed science activities  include parts of a leaf, leaf coloring pages, leaf rubbing sheets, leaf graphing, information on why leaves change colors, and a lap book! You can also go on a leaf scavenger hunt .
• Pinecone Pullout Pack:  includes pinecone life cycle information, science investigations, and more.
• Fall Screen Free Code Pack  includes an introduction to binary code, algorithms, puzzles, and more
• Fall Art/STEAM Projects 
• Bonus Fall fun pack   includes games and activities  to round out your fall theme activities, such as brain breaks, Would You Rather cards, mystery math pictures, and more

Subscribe to receive a free 5-Day STEM Challenge Guide

~ projects to try now ~.

Most Popular Activity: STRAW ROCKETS

Most Popular Activity: Straw Rockets

Science for Kids: Sink or Float (with Free Printable)

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Kids love discovering which items will sink or float ! It’s a great hands-on science activity for kids of any age and really gets kids thinking and predicting. Here’s how we set up our sink or float science project, as well as a free printable kids can use to record their observations.

Follow our Science for Kids Pinterest board!

This experiment was actually initiated by Lucy herself! She had approached me one day and asked if I could help get her a container of water to test out some objects she had collected.

Kids are naturally curious about floating and sinking, and this science activity provides the opportunity for children to make predictions and observations about floating and sinking with minimal help.   (This post contains affiliate links.)

Materials for Sink or Float Science:

• Large container filled with water
• Objects collected from around the house
• Free printable recording sheet  (optional)

• Walk around your house with your child and collect items you’d like to test out. (We collected these things: bristle block ,  plastic toy, crayon, cork, a spoon, and a rock.)
• Fill a large container with water. (We used a large plastic bin.)
• Find a place to conduct the science experiment where your child can easily reach the bin and where you don’t mind a bit of water possibly getting out.
• Have your child choose one object at a time.  Do you think it will sink or float? Why?   Have your child place the object in the water and observe what happens. (Optional: Record the result on the recording sheet. You can have your child draw a picture or write the name of the object or model writing and drawing the object yourself.)
• Repeat this for all the objects.
• Why do you think some objects floated and some sank? Is there anything the same about the objects that floated? How about with the objects that sank? 

Lucy had so much fun with this! It was fun to sit back and watch her excitement and curiosity grow as the activity went on. At one point she even came up with a new question, “I wonder what will happen if I push the floating things down to the bottom. Maybe they will stay there.” She discovered they still floated right back up!

• We took our experiment outside. That way there was no worry about a mess being made.
• I left this outside for a few days for the kids to experiment with on their own during play time.
• This would also be a fun center in a school classroom!

Want to go even further?

Even more activities to inspire creativity and critical thinking for various ages.

• Fill up a giant backyard pool with water and do this experiment with larger items.
• For older kids, introduce the terms density and buoyancy to explain what happened.
• Place an orange in your container of water to see if it floats. Peel the orange and try it again. What happened?
• Try the Floating Egg experiment found on Tinkerlab.
• Do our Dancing Raisin science experiment.

Find more STEM activities in our ebook! Learn more about it here , or b uy it now here !

Chelsey was previously an elementary teacher for 12 years and is now creating, playing, and learning at home with her two children. You can follow Buggy and Buddy on Twitter or Facebook by clicking on the icons below.

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20 Super Sink Or Float Activities

March 31, 2023 //  by  Brittney Hallmark

Teaching students about the properties of science that are related to sinking or floating is a great opportunity to incorporate some hands-on science experiments. As students begin to learn more about density and buoyancy, they can use household items to test their thinking. These 20 sink or float activities will spark lots of sensory learning and help students understand more about the concept of buoyancy. 

1. Sink of Float Sort 

This printable sink or float activity requires students to sort items based on their hypotheses or observations. They can explore and research to see which ones float or sink. If you prefer they can sort them based on their guesses and test them out or research afterward. 

Learn More: Mrs. B’s Beehive

2. Sink or Float Prediction Activity 

Using common household items like food and coins, students can touch each item and make a prediction of whether it will sink or float. They can use the worksheet to make predictions first and then test them out; marking their findings in the next column. 

Learn More: Gift of Curiosity 

3. Garden Sink or Float

Learners can use a large container of water to test out items from the garden to see if they will sink or float. Let students gather rocks, leaves, flowers, and other items from the garden. They can track their findings on a checklist. 

Learn More: The Kindergarten Connection

4. Tin Foil Boat Experiment

For this activity, you’ll need aluminum foil and coins. Learners can build small tin foil boats and add coins as they determine how much it takes to sink their foil boat. Students can make estimates as to how many coins each boat will hold before it sinks. 

Learn More: Hands On As We Grow

5. Surprise Egg Sink or Float 

Use a large bowl of water and fill plastic eggs with surprise items. Students can see which ones float and which ones sink. Then, they can open the eggs to check out which items are buoyant or not. 

Learn More: In the Playroom

6. Video and Experiment 

Show this video to students so they’re able to have more background about sinking and floating. They can learn more about the vocabulary associated with this topic. Then, they can test out their predictions, using common household items. 

Learn More: PBS Kids

7. Test Different Ways 

Most sink or float activities require students to add items to a container of water. This experiment is a bit different. Add items to a container and then add the water. Before adding the water, learners can make predictions about which items will float. Have students find natural items from nature to test out. 

Learn More: A Stemful Mind

8. Sink or Float Play Station

Create a play station for students to explore sinking or floating. Arrange four different bins. One is for holding the items to be tested and one is full of water. The other two bins are for sorting the items into the sink or float status. 

Learn More: Fun with Mama

9. Sink or Float With Oranges

This simple orange sink or float activity allows students to test their theory on whether or not an orange will float. Will it matter if you take off the orange peel? Try both theories in a cup of water and have students make predictions before you test the fruit! 

Learn More: Laughing Kids Learn

10. Egg Experiment

Will a plain egg sink or will it float? Students can make predictions and test them out. They can add salt or other things to the water to see if they get a different result. You can also have them test out a hard-boiled egg and make predictions as well. 

Learn More: Moose Mischief

11. Peeps Sink or Float

Marshmallow peeps are a fun treat! Use them in this experiment to decide if it will sink or float. This handout will allow students to state their prediction, draw what happens, and state the final test result. 

Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers

12. Fill Your Boat While It Floats

This experiment will leave a lot up to students to decide. They can decide if they want a single, flat sheet of aluminum foil or several sheets formed into an aluminum ball. They can then use small glass beads or even marbles to see how much their design will hold before it sinks. 

Learn More: Inquiring Minds

13. Salt Water Experiment 

This experiment calls for salt water. Use a cup of water as a control, and then add salt water, sugar water, and baking soda to other cups of water. Students can make predictions based on the added materials to the water. 

Learn More: Constellation

14. Density Experiment 

By demonstrating how items are affected by the liquid they are placed in, students will be able to see the distinct separation of three liquids. 

Learn More: Brigitte Brulz

15. Apple Boat Floating

Little ones will enjoy creating apple boats to see if they float or sink. Cut the apples into smaller pieces, and add a toothpick and a paper sail. Then, place the apple boats in the water to float. Students can test out the weight of the apple piece, the shape, the size of the sail, and many other factors they think will have an effect on the apple sinking or floating. 

Learn More: Mom Brite

16. Different Liquids Experiment

Fill three cups with water. One will be the control and the other two can have oil and soap added to them. Use these to test items; checking to see if they sink or float. Students can keep track of their predictions, and test results, and compare their findings with their friends. 

Learn More: A Dab of Glue Will Do

17. Island Stacking 

Fill a punch bowl with water to test out this sink or float activity. Let students stack assorted items and determine how much can be stacked before the tiny towers topple and sink. They can use different items and make predictions for each material. 

Learn More: The Keeper of The Memories

18. Christmas Themed Sink or Float Experiment

Themed sink or float activities are a great way to have some fun around the holidays. Choose Christmas-themed items, like a bell, colored pom poms, cookie cutters, and even foam ornaments. Students can touch the items and make predictions before testing them out. 

Learn More: Toddler Approved

19. Include Picture Books

Students will be intrigued by the thought of how things float or why they sink. Including nonfiction picture books in your lesson planning for this unit will be a great way to provide ideas and a model for students to use and see as they learn more about the topic.  

20. Willy Wonka Candy Experiment

All candy is not equal! Use popular candy bars to test out whether they will sink or float. Students can practice measurement skills and record all the data on a tracking sheet. They can make their predictions and record results after testing each one out. 

Will It Sink or Float?

This simple sink or float science experiment is great for kids of all ages! It’s a fun way to work on making predictions, testing hypotheses and drawing conclusions. And, as a big bonus, it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Snag your set below and then hop over and grab even more STEM fun with our Epic STEM Challenge Bundle!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

Getting Ready

To prep, I grabbed a bag of conversation hearts and seven clear glasses. Then, I raided our pantry for every liquid I could find: apple juice, white vinegar, molasses, olive oil, water, maple syrup, etc.

Then, I printed off the free sink or float prediction sheet (below) and grabbed a pencil for Middle Brother to use when he filled it out.

Middle Brother (age 4) LOVES  science experiments!  Therefore, he was eager to jump in and start working. We filled each cup with a different liquid and labeled them with a strip of Scotch Expressions Tape .

I helped him write down the name of each liquid on the chart. Then, focusing on one liquid at a time, he predicted whether the conversation heart he would drop in later was going to sink to the bottom or float on top. I marked his hypotheses with an “X.”

The most exciting part came next: finding out the results! We grabbed our cup of molasses, the first liquid on our list, and Middle Brother dropped in a conversation heart.

He was thrilled to see the heart plop on top of the sticky liquid and just float.

We marked the column “float” with a circle to show it was the actual result and talked about how it differed from his prediction (that the heart would sink).

Moving from one liquid to the next, Middle Brother continued testing his hypotheses and recording his results just like a grown up scientist.

The Science Behind It

Everything is made up of molecules – teeny tiny particles that can only be seen with a microscope.

If those molecules are packed very closely together, they are more dense. If the molecules are spread apart, they are less dense.

Each of our liquids had a different density. As a result, when we dropped the conversation heart on top of a liquid, it would float on top if the liquid was more dense than the candy heart.

If, however, the liquid was less dense than the candy heart, it would sink to the bottom.

Ready to Experiment?!

Snag your set below and then hop over and grab even more STEM challenges kids will LOVE with our Epic STEM Challenge Bundle!

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Sink and Float Worksheet Printables

By In The Playroom

July 29, 2024

Whether you’re a teacher looking to spice up your lesson plans or a parent seeking engaging activities at home, our Sink and Float Worksheets offer endless opportunities for discovery and learning.

Sink and Float is one of our favorite science experiments to do at home. It is so easy to set up, requires just basic activities from around the house, and has very little mess. During the summer, setting up sink and float outside is a great way to add something new and exciting to your summer water play.

Today we have a set of free printable sink or float worksheets to make this fun science experiment even more meaningful and enriching.

Sink and Float Activity Worksheets

The Sink and Float activity is designed for children in 1st to 3rd grade, though it can be adapted for younger or older students as well. It’s a hands-on science experiment where children predict whether various objects will sink or float when placed in water, and use these worksheets to record their predictions, observations and findings. 

This activity not only teaches basic scientific principles but also encourages the use of the scientific method. By making predictions, conducting experiments, and recording observations, children learn to think like little scientists.

The pages have lists of suggested items included, so before you begin the sink and float experiment, go on a scavenger hunt around the house to gather all of these items. 

So, wondering how to use the worksheets? Our worksheets are designed to guide children through the entire process. Here’s a breakdown:

• Prediction Sheet:  Children write down their predictions about whether an item will sink or float.
• Observation Sheet:  After testing, they record what actually happened.
• Results Table:  A chart to organize predictions and actual results, making it easy to see patterns.
• Reflection Sheet:  Encourages kids to think about their findings and what surprised them the most.

Page 1: Prediction and Observation

This page is all about getting those little brains buzzing with curiosity and anticipation. Kids start by choosing an item and making a prediction: will it sink or will it float? They jot down their thoughts, which encourages them to think critically and engage with the scientific process. 

Next, they will conduct the experiment, observe what happens, and then record their observations. The cute little jars on the page are perfect for drawing pictures or noting their findings. It’s a great way to practice the scientific method in a fun, hands-on way!

Suggested Items to test:

• Rubber Duck 

Page 2: Hands-On Experiment with Cut-Outs

Now it’s time for some more hands-on action! This page features a big fishbowl and a set of adorable pictures that kids can cut out. They’ll carefully cut along the dotted lines, then paste the images into the fishbowl—top section for floaters, bottom section for sinkers. This visual and tactile activity helps reinforce the concepts of density and buoyancy, making it easier for kids to grasp these basic principles of physical science, and develop understanding of why an object floats or sinks. 

Cut-out items:

• Piece of paper
• Ping pong ball

Page 3: Sink or Float Prediction Table

This page features a table for kids to record their predictions and the actual results of their experiments. It’s an organized way to see which items floated and which ones sank. By comparing their predictions to the outcomes, kids can start to see patterns and develop a deeper understanding of why certain objects behave the way they do in water. It’s a perfect blend of hypothesis testing and data recording—skills that are foundational to scientific inquiry.

Items listed:

• Rubber ball
• Marshmallows
• Cotton balls
• Wooden stick
• Rubber band

Page 4: Reflective Learning

This page is all about reflection and deep thinking. After conducting their experiments, kids get a chance to write down what surprised them the most, what they learned about sinking and floating, and if any items behaved differently than expected. This reflective practice helps consolidate their learning and encourages them to think critically about the principles of buoyancy and density. It’s also a great opportunity for kids to practice their writing and expression skills.

Page 5: I Think the Item Will…

On this page, kids find a simple yet engaging table where they can predict whether each item will sink or float. This blank page can be used for any item, including your own items which aren’t listed on the previous pages. 

This science activity page sets the stage for kids to use their prior knowledge and reasoning skills to make educated guesses. It’s a fun way to get them excited about the experiment while practicing making predictions and hypotheses.

This page also helps build the habit of predicting, observing, recording results, and coming to scientific conclusions, which is an important skill to build in the science subject areas. 

Each page of the Sink and Float Worksheets offers a unique way to explore the wonders of buoyancy and density. These activities are not just about learning science; they’re about fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for discovery.

Perfect for both home and school use, these worksheets provide a comprehensive and engaging approach to early science education. Dive in and watch your little scientists flourish!

You can also mix it up by playing the surprise egg sink and float game .

Why is it Great for Little Learners?

This sink or float science activity is more than just fun; it’s educational. Here’s what kids learn:

• Concept of Buoyancy:  Understanding why objects float or sink based on their density compared to water.
• Scientific Method:  Making predictions, observing outcomes, and drawing conclusions.
• Physical Science Principles:  Learning about different densities and the upward force exerted by water.
• Critical Thinking:  Encouraging independent work and problem-solving skills.
• Hands-On Learning:  Engaging little learners with tangible experiences.

The Sink and Float activity can be easily integrated into classroom settings or used at home. Here are a few ideas:

• Classroom Use:  Ideal for small groups, independent work, or as part of a general science curriculum.
• Home Use:  A great way for parents to engage with their children in a fun, educational activity.
• Science Fairs:  An excellent project that showcases understanding of basic physical science concepts.

Download the Sink and Float Worksheet Pack PDF

Ready to get started? Download our comprehensive Sink and Float Worksheets PDF and start your scientific exploration today! 

These worksheets are designed to be easily printed and used in any setting, providing all the tools needed for a successful and engaging science experiment.

Terms of use: These sink and float worksheets are free for personal use and classroom use. 

Engage your little scientists with one of the best early science activities that combine fun with learning.

Our Sink and Float Worksheets are a great way to explore the fascinating world of buoyancy and density, making science both accessible and enjoyable for young learners. Happy experimenting!

More Science Activities for Kids

If your little scientists loved the Sink and Float Worksheets, they’re sure to enjoy these additional hands-on science activities! From exploring the wonders of magnets to creating simple circuits, these great activities are designed to ignite curiosity and foster a love for learning in young minds. Each experiment is easy to set up and packed with fun, making science both accessible and exciting for kids.

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• Growing Gummy Bears Kitchen Science Experiment for Kids

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• Making a Lemon Clock Science Experiment
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Loved this hands-on activity for your little scientist? Don’t forget to share it on Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter! Help spread the joy of learning and inspire more kids to dive into the fascinating world of science.

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Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables. Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.

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