Float, Sink & Measure
This hands-on STEM investigation combines early math and science as children test floating containers, count objects, compare quantities, and measure capacity through experimentation. Children use evidence and observation to discover which designs hold the most weight.
Instructions
Place several floating containers in the water.
Predict which container will hold the most objects.
Add counters one at a time to each container.
Count how many objects each container holds before sinking.
Compare results and discuss which containers held more or less.
Test again using different containers or materials.
Materials
Variety of floating containers (foil boats, plastic lids, small bowls, sponge trays)
Water container
Counters, stones, pennies, or small manipulatives
Recording sheet (optional)
Learning Benefits
comparing quantities
measuring capacity
counting with purpose
identifying more and less
drawing conclusions from results
observation skills
early math reasoning
problem-solving
Infant & Toddler Adaptations
Offer floating containers and a small collection of large objects for safe exploration. Encourage children to add objects one at a time, observe changes, and compare containers using words such as more, less, full, empty, big, and small.
