Sink or Float: Predict + Test + Talk

Infants build foundations through repetition and sensory exploration.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

- Two shallow, clear plastic bins or tubs

- Water

- Soft baby washcloths (several per child)

- A variety of safe, family-related objects:

- Small, clean, unshelled nuts or seeds (like an acorn or pecan)

- A soft, clean washcloth (different from the ones for drying)

- A small, smooth, plastic baby toy (like a ring or rattle)

- A family photo that isn't laminated (a regular photograph)

- A clean, small, natural sponge

- A soft, clean baby sock

- Towels for drying

- Smocks (optional)

Learning Objectives

- Infants will engage their senses by exploring textures and observing water.

- Infants will show curiosity about objects interacting with water.

- Infants will coo or babble in response to caregiver’s questions about sinking and floating.

- Infants will develop fine motor skills by reaching for and grasping objects.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the water bins: Fill one bin about halfway with water. Keep the second bin empty for later. Place towels underneath the bins to catch drips.

2. Introduce the concept gently: Sit with the infant(s) facing the water bin. Say, "Look, we have water! It feels nice and cool. Let's see what happens to some special things from our homes."

3. Introduce the first object: Hold up a soft washcloth. Say, "This is like the washcloth we use to clean you after eating. What do you think will happen when we put it in the water? Will it float, or will it sink down?"

4. Child’s prediction and observation: Encourage the infant to reach for the object. If they grasp it, help them gently place it in the water. Observe their reaction. You might coo, "Wow, it's floating!" or "Look, it's staying on top!"

5. Model prediction and testing: For each subsequent object (e.g., nuts, photo, toy), model saying, "Let's see if this [object name] will sink or float!" Encourage the infant to touch and interact with the items. Place them in the water one by one.

6. Talk about what you see: Narrate the results. "The [object name] is floating. It's staying on top of the water!" or "Oh, the [object name] has sunk. It's going down to the bottom!"

7. Incorporate family: When presenting the family photo, say, "This is a picture of your family! Let's see if it floats." Be mindful not to let the photo get too soggy.

8. Transition to drying: When all objects have been explored, carefully lift the infant and dry them with a soft washcloth, saying, "Time to get dry and cozy like after bath time."

Educator Tip

Ensure water is lukewarm and shallow enough to be safe for infants. Supervise closely at all times. Allow infants to explore objects with their hands, but model gentle placement into the water. If an infant shows distress, stop the activity and comfort them. You can also involve families by inviting them to share a family photo to bring for this activity.

Assessment

Observe infants' engagement and any verbalizations (coos, babbles) or gestures indicating excitement or curiosity. Note their willingness to reach for and touch the objects and their reactions to each item as it is placed in the water. Document if they look at the objects as they sink or float.

Educator tip

Keep stimulation low; follow infant cues.

Assessment

Observe and note: sustained engagement, sensory responses, early vocalisations, and attachment behaviours. Document using the Characteristics of Effective Learning framework (Playing and Exploring). Observe gaze, reach, calm engagement.

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