- Discuss what we think the following words mean: sink, float, predict, observe.
- Make predictions for each object, do we think it will sink or float?
- Test our predictions by placing objects in a large plastic tub filled with water.
- Make a chart of our discoveries.
- Ask why do you think objects sink or float?
Ideas for home:
- Most preschoolers love asking questions and experimenting, and children learn by doing! Use your children's questions to prompt your own experiments at home. It can be as simple as a container of water and objects that sink or float, or a more complicated activity of hatching eggs. My tips for experimenting with preschoolers:
- Science for preschoolers should be focused on asking questions and finding answers (making predictions, observations, and making conclusions).
- Resist the urge to just explain it to them, and let them explore and come to their own conclusions. Guide them by asking questions such as "What will happen if we do this?" "Why do you think that happened?" "How should we do this?"
- It's okay if you don't have the answers! Learn along with your children. Learning with children is an incredible bonding experience and allows children to witness your excitement, eagerness, and openness to learning. Parents are children's first teachers and you set the foundation for your child to become a lifelong learner!
- In our house, if you don't know... then you figure it out :)
- Bath time is an easy way to experiment with sink or float. Have children find objects around the house to bring in the tub with them (within reason, of course). Make predictions and test out the theories.
- Go to your local library and check out some books. I was surprised how many books we found that were dedicated to experimenting with preschoolers. They were simple ideas that used items you have at home anyways.
- Check out these sites for more ideas:
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