Position trays near sensory bin, then place objects (apples, mini pumpkins, acorns, walnuts in shell, pine cones, leaves, wicker rattan balls, river rocks, vase filler) on one of them.
Demonstrate and discuss the scientific concept of buoyancy by placing one floating and one sinking object in the water inside the sensory bin. Remove them and set aside.
Invite child to examine various objects and sort them on trays based on their hypothesis of whether each will sink or float. Discuss characteristics of objects (size, weight, density) while doing so.
Invite child to test hypotheses by placing objects, one at a time, in the water. Have child sort objects by results.
Invite child to explore the recycled styrofoam egg carton, food storage containers, and muffin pan as floating boats. Challenge them to place objects inside the boats to make them sink.
Encourage imaginative and sensory play during and after the science experiment.