Detective's Prediction Station
This culminating STEM investigation encourages children to apply what they have learned about object properties, sinking, and floating. By using observations, making predictions, and testing ideas, children strengthen reasoning, communication, and scientific thinking skills.
Instructions
Present a collection of unfamiliar objects.
Encourage children to carefully observe each object's size, shape, weight, and material.
Predict whether each object will sink or float and explain why.
Test the objects in water.
Compare results with predictions.
Discuss which clues were helpful and what new discoveries were made.
Materials
Water container
New objects not previously tested
Detective clipboard or paper (optional)
Pencil or crayons
Magnifying glass (optional)
Learning Benefits
applying prior knowledge
making evidence-based predictions
recognizing patterns
explaining reasoning
scientific thinking
observation skills
communication skills
confidence in problem-solving
Infant & Toddler Adaptations
Offer a small collection of large, safe objects with obvious differences in texture, size, and material. Encourage children to touch, compare, and test items while modeling descriptive language and simple observations.
