June Kids Corner
from the Gale River Cooperative Preschool
Does this sink or does it float?
There are lots of different ways to learn from our time outside in nature. One cool way to explore is to first hypothesize, or make a guess about, if different objects sink or float. Then, you can test out your theories by trying it out!
Materials: A bowl, deep pan, or other container for water, enough water to partially fill your container, and the objects you find in nature!
Steps:
Go for a nature walk around local land, around your yard, or even down a sidewalk in a part of town that has trees and other natural objects nearby. Collect a few items of interest, ideally that have already fallen/ been dislodged and won’t disturb the natural environment. This might mean some different fallen leaves, cut blades of grass, rocks, twigs, acorns, etc.
When you get home, fill a bucket, deep pan, or pot with some water.
Look at each of your items and hypothesize, or make a guess, about whether each will sink or float.
Then, test out your ideas!
Ask your kids:
What did you notice? Why might something sink while something else floats? How did you make your guesses? What other objects in nature might sink or float?
Thanks to our partner, the Gale River Cooperative Preschool in Bethlehem, for helping our area parents get kiddos outside for fun no matter the time of year.
