Science: Sink or Float

Name: Kati Peak

Date: 10/27/14

Grade: Kindergarten

Subject: Science

Time Frame: 1:20-1:50pm (30 minutes)

Title of Lesson or Activity: Will It Sink or Float?

Objective:
The students will understand some objects float in water, while others do not.
The students will investigate whether items will float or sink.
Standards of Learning:
K.5 The student will investigate and understand that water flows and has properties that can be
observed and tested.
c) some materials float in water, while others sink.

Materials:
20 Sink or Float? Recording Sheet
24 Pencils
4 small, clear tubs filled with water
1 Sink or Float? Poster
4 Pennys
4 Paper Clips
4 Ping Pong Balls
4 Rocks
4 Spoons
4 Feathers
Checklist with student names
Procedure:
1. Before beginning the lesson materials will be gathered and organized. Twenty copies of the
recording sheet will be printed. Each table will have a clear tub of water with items to test. I
will also have a clear tub of water and items set up at the front of the room.
2. To begin the lesson students will be asked to join me on the rug. I will call one table at a
time.
3. When all of the students are on the rug, we will sing Open, Shut Them.
4. After the students are settled, I will tell the students we are going to be scientists. I will draw
their attention to the clear tub of water and the items to be tested. I will ask the students,
What do you think we are going to do with these items? What do you think we are going
to investigate? I will call on three students that raise a quiet hand. After getting a few
answers, I will explain to the students that we are going to test which items will sink and
which items will float. I will tell them that we are not going to complete the experiment
today but that we are going to make predictions first.

5. After the discussion on the rug, I will have the students return to their seats by instructing
one table at a time to tip toe to their seats. Before transitioning, I will instruct the students to
place their hands in their lap and do not touch anything when they get to their seats. I will
explain that we are going to investigate with just our eyes today.
6. When all of the students are in their seats, I will give each student a recording sheet. We will
sing the name on your paper jingle. I will direct the students to draw a picture of each of the
items on their table. While the students are drawing their pictures I will circulate throughout
the room check in with each student. After the students have drawn their pictures, I will have
the students predict whether each item will sink or float. They will check either sink or float
on their recording sheet. I will have students that finish early write the names of the objects
under their pictures.
7. When all of the students have finished making their predictions, we will look at each item.
We will vote whether we think the items will sink or float. I will record our results on the
sink or float poster.
8. After we discuss our predictions, I will instruct the students to put their recording sheets in
the basket on their tables. I will tell them that we will continue our experiment tomorrow.
Differentiation:
I will instruct Emi to write the names of each item as well as draw pictures of them.
I will not require Santana to write the names of the items.
I will allow Santana to work with a buddy if necessary.
I will scaffold for those who need it.
Assessment:
Checklist with student names
Sink or Float Recording Sheet
Reflection: