Students predict and test whether objects sink or float, discovering that it isn’t just about size — it’s about how heavy something is for its size, a first taste of properties of matter.
Students will be able to…
A tiny coin sinks, but a big log floats. If it’s not just about size, what makes something sink or float?
Project this and tap each object to drop it in the tank. Have students predict first, then watch whether it sinks or floats — and talk about why.
Tap an object to drop it in the water — will it sink or float?
Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.
A big log floats but a little coin sinks — how?
Students investigate.
Teacher explains.
Apply.
Three quick checks.
Aligned to Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core literacy. State-standard crosswalks available on request.
Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify materials by their observable properties.
Test materials and analyze data to determine which are best suited for a purpose.
Ask questions and make observations about a situation people want to change.
Describe the connection between a series of steps in a text.
Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.
Challenge students to shape a piece of foil so it floats and holds pennies — turning a “sinking” metal into a floating boat. A printable boat-challenge sheet is in the Science library.
Tap a card to flip it, then rate whether you knew it. Built from this lesson’s vocabulary.
A quick self-check with instant feedback, drawn from this lesson’s key terms.
A print-and-go review sheet with a built-in answer key. Tap “Show answer key” to reveal answers, or print the clean version for students.