Floating Objects: Why Some Things Stay on Water
Basic Science and Technology
Subject: Basic Science and Technology
Class: Nursery 1
Term: Second Term
Week: 6
Age: 5-6 years
Topic: Floating Objects
Sub-topic: i) Sinking and Floating Objects
ii) Examples of Floating Objects
iii) Selecting Floating Objects from a Pile
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 objects.
ii) Mention examples of objects that float.
iii) Select floating objects from a pile of various objects.
Keywords
- Float
- Sink
- Objects
- Water
- Light
- Heavy
Set Induction
- Show a bowl of water and two objects (e.g., a stone and a plastic bottle).
- Ask pupils to guess what will happen when each object is placed in water.
Entry Behavior
Pupils may have observed objects floating or sinking in water during daily activities like bathing or playing.
Learning Resources and Materials
- A large bowl of water
- Light objects (e.g., plastic bottle, rubber ball, sponge)
- Heavy objects (e.g., stone, key, coin)
- Flashcards with drawings of floating and sinking objects
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
Pupils may have observed some objects staying on top of water and others sinking when placed in water. This lesson will help them identify why this happens.
Embedded Core Skills
- Observation
- Critical thinking
- Listening
- Speaking
- Sorting and classification
Learning Materials
- Bowl of water
- A variety of objects (light and heavy) for demonstration
- Flashcards showing floating 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 plastic bottles, rubber balls, coins, stones, and sponges
Content
- What are Floating and Sinking Objects?
- Objects that stay on top of the water are called floating objects (e.g., plastic bottle).
- Objects that go to the bottom of the water are called sinking objects (e.g., stone).
- Why Do Objects Float or Sink?
- Light objects (e.g., rubber balls) float because they are less heavy than water.
- Heavy objects (e.g., keys) sink because they are heavier than water.
- Examples of Floating Objects
- Rubber ball
- Plastic bottle
- Sponge
- Wooden stick
- Activity: Sorting Floating Objects
- Pupils will place objects into the bowl of water and observe which ones float and which ones sink.
Presentation
Step 1: Revision of the previous lesson.
- Review air and land transportation, asking how aeroplanes stay in the air, then introduce floating and sinking in water.
Step 2: Introduction of the new topic.
- Place a light object (plastic bottle) and a heavy object (stone) into the bowl of water. Ask pupils to observe what happens.
Step 3: Activity Time.
- Provide pupils with a pile of objects. Allow them to test each object in the water and sort the floating objects from the sinking ones.
Teacher’s Activities
- Explain the concepts of floating and sinking with demonstrations.
- Show examples of floating objects.
- Guide pupils in testing the objects and sorting them into floating and sinking categories.
Learner’s Activities
- Listen to the teacher’s explanation and observe the demonstrations.
- Participate in testing objects in the water.
- Identify floating objects and sort them correctly.
Assessment
- Ask pupils to name one object that floats.
- Observe how they perform the sorting activity.
- Test their understanding by asking questions about why some objects float and others sink.
Evaluation Questions
- What is a floating object?
- What is a sinking object?
- Name one object that floats.
- Name one object that sinks.
- Why do light objects float?
- Why do heavy objects sink?
- Does a sponge float or sink?
- What happens when a stone is placed in water?
- Can you name one thing that floats in your home?
- Which is heavier: a stone or a rubber ball?
Conclusion
- Review the concepts of floating and sinking objects.
- Encourage pupils to observe objects around them to see which ones float or sink.
- Praise them for their participation in the activity.
Captivating Title
“Floating Objects: Why Some Things Stay on Water!”
Focus Keyphrase
“Floating and Sinking Objects”
SEO Title
“Fun Lesson on Floating Objects: Easy Activities for Nursery Kids”
Slug
“floating-objects-nursery-1”
Meta Description
“Explore the concept of floating and sinking objects in this engaging Nursery 1 lesson. Includes fun water activities and simple explanations for young learners!”