Exploring Sinking and Floating Objects: Fun Water Experiments

Basic Science and Technology
Subject: Basic Science and Technology
Class: Nursery 1
Term: Second Term
Week: 8
Age: 5-6 years
Topic: Sinking and Floating Objects
Sub-topic: i) Explanation of Sinking and Floating
ii) Criteria for Sinking and Floating
iii) Differences Between Floating and Sinking Objects
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
i) Give a simple explanation of sinking and floating.
ii) List the criteria for sinking and floating of objects.
iii) Enumerate the major differences between sinking and floating objects.

Keywords

• Sink
• Float
• Heavy
• Light
• Bottom
• Surface

Set Induction

• Show a large bowl of water with two objects: a sponge and a stone.
• Ask pupils to observe what happens when both objects are placed in water.

Entry Behavior

Pupils have learned about floating and sinking objects in previous lessons and can recognize some examples.

Learning Resources and Materials

• A bowl of water
• Objects that float (e.g., rubber ball, sponge)
• Objects that sink (e.g., stone, coin, key)
• Flashcards with images of floating and sinking objects

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Pupils have observed objects that either stay on top of water or sink to the bottom during play or daily activities.

Embedded Core Skills

• Observation
• Critical thinking
• Sorting and classification
• Listening and speaking

Learning Materials

• Bowl of water
• A variety of objects (light and heavy) for testing
• Flashcards showing floating and sinking objects

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for Nursery 1
• Basic Science Textbook for Early Learners

Instructional Materials

• A clear bowl of water
• Real objects like stones, sponges, coins, and rubber balls

Content

1. What are Sinking and Floating Objects?
   • Sinking Objects: These are objects that go to the bottom of the water (e.g., stones, keys, coins).
   • Floating Objects: These are objects that stay on the surface of the water (e.g., sponge, plastic bottle).
2. Criteria for Sinking and Floating
   • Objects that are heavy for their size usually sink.
   • Objects that are light for their size usually float.
   • Materials like metal and stone sink, while materials like wood and plastic often float.
3. Differences Between Sinking and Floating Objects
   • Floating objects stay on the water’s surface, while sinking objects go to the bottom.
   • Floating objects are lighter than water, while sinking objects are heavier.
4. Examples
   • Floating: Rubber ball, sponge, plastic bottle, wood.
   • Sinking: Stone, coin, key, nail.
5. Activity: Sorting Sinking and Floating Objects
   • Pupils will place objects in a bowl of water and identify which ones float and which ones sink.

Presentation

Step 1: Revision of the previous lesson.

• Review the concepts of floating and sinking objects.
• Ask pupils to mention one example of a floating object and one example of a sinking object.

Step 2: Introduction of the new topic.

• Explain that some objects float while others sink, based on their weight and material.

Step 3: Activity Time.

• Provide pupils with a variety of objects to test in water. Let them classify the objects into floating and sinking categories.

Teacher’s Activities

• Explain the concept of sinking and floating using demonstrations.
• Highlight the criteria for sinking and floating.
• Guide pupils in comparing and contrasting sinking and floating objects.

Learner’s Activities

• Listen to the teacher’s explanations and observe demonstrations.
• Participate in testing objects in water.
• Identify and describe the differences between floating and sinking objects.

Assessment

• Ask pupils to explain what happens when a heavy object is placed in water.
• Observe how they classify objects during the activity.
• Test their understanding with questions about the differences between floating and sinking objects.

Evaluation Questions

1. What is a sinking object?
2. What is a floating object?
3. Name one object that floats.
4. Name one object that sinks.
5. Why do heavy objects sink?
6. Why do light objects float?
7. Give one example of a sinking object at home.
8. Mention one difference between sinking and floating objects.
9. Do sponges float or sink?
10. What happens to a stone when placed in water?

Conclusion

• Summarize the lesson by reviewing the characteristics of sinking and floating objects.
• Reinforce the criteria and differences with more examples.
• Encourage pupils to observe and experiment with objects at home to classify them.

Captivating Title

“Exploring Sinking and Floating Objects: Fun Water Experiments!”

Focus Keyphrase

“Sinking and Floating Objects”

SEO Title

“Nursery 1 Lesson: Sinking and Floating Objects Explained with Activities”

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“sinking-and-floating-objects-nursery-1”

Meta Description

“Teach Nursery 1 pupils about sinking and floating objects with engaging experiments. Simple explanations, fun activities, and examples make learning enjoyable!”