Nature Based Sink or Float

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Age: 3-5 PSC/GD
Secondary Age: 1-3 IT, 5-10 OSC
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Curriculum Area: Science, Cognition
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Developmental Goal/Activity Objective: To practice making predictions and testing ideas while learning about the properties of water.
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Materials Needed:

1. Materials collection from nature (examples: pinecones, pine needles, rocks, wood, acorns, shell, periwinkle, sea glass, walnut, dry lentils, raisin, cashew, etc.)

2. Large plastic bin

3. Water 

4. Two paper plates with labels sink and float. 

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Procedures/Strategies:

a. First, allow children to go out into the neighbourhood or nearby park and collect materials. 

b. Bring the materials back. Fill a large bin with water. Put out two paper plates one labelled sink and one labelled float. 

c. Lay out all the materials collected. Go through each item one by one have children predict whether the item will sink or float and explain their prediction. 

d. Then test the item in the bin of water. Sort the item to either the sink of float paper plate. 

e. Have children compare the results to their predictions. 

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Guidance and Safety Considerations: n/a
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