Sink or Float Preschool Science Experiment for Fall or Any Season!

Disclosure: This blog post, contributed by Sarah of Little Bins for Little Hands, contains affiliate links. As an affiliate and Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Please read my full disclosure policy for more information.

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Sensory play is a wonderful way to learn! Most of the time our sensory bin is filled with dry materials for sensory activities, but we also enjoy using water for sensory play. Although a little messy, water is perfect for indoor sensory play. And, it’s perfect for some easy sink or float preschool learning, too!

Some Easy Fall Sink or Float Preschool Science Fun

It has been a while since we’ve done a sink or float experiment, so I decided to put together a simple fall-themed sink and float activity. My son loves sensor play, so I knew it was time to set up this invitation for water play and scientific discovery.

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How to Set Up a Preschool Sink or Float Experiment

It doesn’t get much easier than this preschool science experiment. You simply need a tub of water (or you could even use a sink or bathtub) and two smaller bins or trays.

Then, fill one of the trays with a variety of waterproof objects. You can use any random household objects. Or, choose objects based around a specific theme.

We decided to make ours a Fall sink or float preschool activity. You can do any season, but for an Autumn theme, use objects like…

• apples
• mini pumpkins
• mini gourds
• acorns
• pine cones
• leaves
• stones or pebbles
• decorative rattan balls
• Fall-themed vase fillers

You can also include some items your child can use as boats, like small baking pans and plastic or styrofoam egg carton pieces. I was hoping to inspire my preschooler to experiment with sinking a floating boat or keeping the boat afloat.

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Using the Scientific Method to Hypothesize & Sort Fall Objects

Now, this Fall sink or float experiment is the perfect way to introduce young children to the Scientific Method and inspire some critical thinking. Just invite your child to explore and examine the various objects on the tray while discussing which objects might sink and float. For more advanced scientific learning, discuss the potential effects of size, weight, and density on the objects’ buoyancy.

Then, invite your child to sort the items according to their predictions of buoyancy (whether they think it will sink or float) using the two trays. It’s okay if they sort some items incorrectly; that will make the science experiment more fun.

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Preschool Learning with a Fall Sink or Float Experiment

Now, invite your child to test each object in the tub of water to see if the object sinks or floats.

My son was almost in disbelief when some of the items that he thought would sink, like apples, floated. He also predicted that the pebbles would float because they were small, but they sank because they are heavy.

Again, you can discuss the scientific concepts related to their findings (the effects of size, weight, and density on buoyancy). Or, you can simple allow your child to absorb some of these concepts naturally through open-ended play and exploration.

After you have tested each object for buoyancy, invite your child to explore the objects along with the pretend boats (egg crate pieces and baking pans). Challenge them to try to sink the boats by placing objects on them.

My son enjoyed trying different combinations of items in each pan and separating smaller items and bigger items between the different boats. He noticed it took a lot of items to sink the large pan and fewer items to sink the little one. And, it took lighter items and fewer heavier ones. He also observed how just the right amount of items, like gems, in the baking pan would still allow it to float.

Finally, have your child sort the objects again into the trays according to their scientific findings.

For added fun, I showed my son a photo I had taken of the two trays as he had sorted them before the science experiment so he could compare it to his findings. He had fun pointing out the differences. Lots of things he thought would sink actually floated. He remarked how he thought it was cool!

We wrapped up our preschool sink or float experiment with what else? Free play, of course!

Lots of splashing, sinking boats, making waves, and plunking acorns. The floor was a little wet when he finished, but it was all in the name of science!

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Full Fall Sink or Float Experiment Instructions:

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More Preschool Science Supplies and Kits on Amazon:

Get everything you need for the sink and float experiment above right from Amazon…

Artificial Apples220 Pcs Acrylic Fall Vase Filler150 PCS Natural Mini Pine ConesECR4Kids 2-Station Sand and Water Adjustable Play Table15pcs Wicker Rattan BallsArtificial Pumpkins Set15Inch Portable Sensory Bin Play Tray with Lid50pcs Artificial Lifelike Acorn Set7 Pack Plastic Activity Trays

 

Or, try some of these all-inclusive preschool science kits and toys that make learning fun and easy….

Blippi My First Science: Sink or FloatWho Sank the Boat?Learning Resources Primary Science Sensory TubesLearning Resources Mix And Measure Activity SetVivi Loves Science: Sink or Floathand2mind Sensory Fidget Tubesedxeducation Float or Sink FunBattat 10 Bath BoatsThings That Float and Things That Don’tLearning Resources Splashology! Water Lab Science KitFloating and Sinking — Children’s Science Book About Basic PhysicsLearning Resources STEM Sink or Float Activity SetLearning Resources Primary Science Deluxe Lab Set

 

And, find more educational toys and learning kits for kids in B-Inspired Mama’s Amazon Shop: Fun Finds for STEM Learning

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Like this Preschool Sink or Float Activity? Save It & Share It!

Don’t forget to save this fun preschool science experiment to come back to. And share it with friends! Simply use the buttons at the top or bottom of this post. Or, click here: Share on Facebook | Tweet It | Pin It | Email to a Friend

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More Ideas for Preschool Sensory Fun:

• 6 Fun Fall Activities from the Kids Co-Op
• Sweet Citrus Sensory Tray
• Animal Maze Play for Fine Motor Development

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Disclosure: This blog post, contributed by Sarah of Little Bins for Little Hands, contains affiliate links. As an affiliate and Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Please read my full disclosure policy for more information.