Sink or Float with Oliver and Mom – Cool Science Experiments for Kids

Materials Needed:

• A large container or tub filled with water
• Various small objects (e.g., a coin, a cork, a plastic toy, a metal spoon, a piece of wood, a rubber ball, an apple, a grape, etc.)
• A chart or paper to record predictions and results
• A pen or marker

Steps for the Experiment:

1. Introduction:
   • Oliver and Mom gather the materials and explain the concept of the experiment: they will test different objects to see if they sink or float.
   • Mom explains that whether an object sinks or floats depends on its density compared to water.
2. Making Predictions:
   • Before testing each object, Oliver guesses whether it will sink or float and records his predictions on the chart.
   • Mom encourages Oliver to think about why he thinks each object will sink or float.
3. Testing the Objects:
   • One by one, Oliver and Mom place each object in the water and observe what happens.
   • They discuss the results and compare them to Oliver’s predictions.
4. Recording Results:
   • After testing each object, Oliver records the actual outcome (sink or float) on the chart next to his prediction.
   • They note any surprises or interesting observations.
5. Discussion and Learning:
   • Mom explains why some objects sink (they are denser than water) and why others float (they are less dense than water).
   • They talk about real-life examples, like boats floating and rocks sinking.

Educational Themes:

1. Scientific Method:
   • Teach kids about making hypotheses (predictions), conducting experiments, and analyzing results.
2. Density and Buoyancy:
   • Introduce basic concepts of density (mass per unit volume) and buoyancy (the ability to float).
3. Observation and Recording:
   • Encourage careful observation and the importance of recording data.
4. Critical Thinking:
   • Promote critical thinking by asking why certain objects behave the way they do in water.

Fun Extensions:

1. DIY Boat Challenge:
   • Use materials like aluminum foil, plastic containers, or clay to build small boats. Test how much weight they can hold before sinking.
2. Layered Liquids:
   • Experiment with liquids of different densities (e.g., oil, water, syrup) to see how they layer and how objects behave in each layer.
3. Floating and Sinking Art:
   • Create art by floating objects on the water’s surface and pressing paper onto it to make prints.

Example Dialogue:

• Oliver: “Mom, do you think this apple will sink or float?”
• Mom: “What do you think, Oliver? Remember, it depends on the apple’s density compared to water.”
• Oliver: “Hmm, I think it will float because it’s not very heavy for its size.”
• Mom: “Let’s test it and see! Place it gently in the water.”