Sink or Float: Predict + Test + Talk

Toddlers learn through action + language.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

Large clear plastic bin or tub

Water (enough to fill the bin about halfway)

Various small, safe household objects that belong to different family members (e.g., a wooden spoon passed down, a soft sock that a child wears, a plastic toy car, a metal spoon, a small block, a rubber duck)

Towels for spills

Optional: Small, child-sized pitcher for pouring water

Learning Objectives

Children will observe and explore the properties of different objects.

Children will make simple predictions about whether objects will sink or float.

Children will verbally express their observations and thoughts about the experiment.

Children will engage in turn-taking and shared exploration with peers and the educator.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather the children around the water bin, placing familiar household objects nearby. Talk about how these items are part of their families' homes.

2. Hold up one object, like a wooden spoon. Ask, "What do you think will happen when we put this spoon in the water? Will it stay on top (float) or go to the bottom (sink)?" Encourage simple gestures or sounds.

3. Invite a child to gently place the spoon into the water and observe what happens.

4. Narrate the results: "Look! The spoon is floating on top of the water!" or "The spoon sank down to the bottom."

5. Repeat the prediction and testing process with each object, connecting each item to a family member where possible (e.g., "This is your favourite building block!").

6. Encourage children to touch and feel the objects as they float or sink.

7. Ask open-ended questions like, "What did you see?" or "Tell me about the duck!"

8. Allow children to pour water (with adult supervision) using a small pitcher to add another sensory element to the exploration of their family’s belongings.

Educator Tip

Ensure all objects are large enough not to be a choking hazard and made of safe materials. Supervise water play closely at all times. You can extend this activity by taking photos of the children and their families with their "sink or float" objects to create a family display.

Assessment

Observe children's engagement with the materials and their responses to the "sink or float" questions. Note any verbalizations or gestures they use to make predictions or describe their observations. Collect photos or brief anecdotal notes of children interacting with their family's objects during the experiment.

Educator tip

Use choice questions; keep groups small.

Assessment

Observe and note: emerging independence, two-word combinations, imitation of actions, and early pretend play. Use Development Matters non-statutory guidance checkpoints. Observe participation, labelling.

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