Launchpad - Introducing the topic (10–20 mins)
Step 1Gather the materials and set up a workspace where spills can easily be cleaned. Introduce the activity by asking the child what they think will happen if they drop a toy in a bowl of water. Encourage them to predict whether it will sink or float.
Step 2Show the child a small object and ask them to predict if it will float or sink in a bowl of water. Drop the object into the water and observe together. Ask questions like, “Why do you think it did that?”
Discover - Exploring the topic (20–30 mins)
Step 1Prepare bowls or containers with different liquids: water, salty water, lemonade, and cooking oil. Place one object at a time into each liquid and observe whether it floats or sinks. Encourage the child to describe what they see and record their observations on a piece of paper or with a photo.
Step 2Discuss why certain objects float in some liquids but not in others by introducing the concept of density. Explain that density is how much matter is packed into a substance. Explain that objects with lower density than the liquid will float, while those with a higher density will sink.
Step 3Encourage the child to make predictions about how each object will behave in the different liquids before testing them. Help them articulate their reasoning based on their understanding of buoyancy and density.
Step 4After testing objects in all the liquids, discuss the results with the child. Ask questions like:
- “Which liquid allowed the most objects to float?” (likely to be the salty water and lemonade due to the salt in the water and sugar in the lemonade).
- “Why do you think some objects sank in water but floated in lemonade?” (The sugar in the lemonade increases the density of the liquid).
- “Can you think of other liquids we could test?”
Step 5Summarize the concepts of buoyancy and density. Explain that scientists use these concepts to understand how objects behave in different environments. Encourage the child to think about other objects they could test at home.
Showcase
Make
Create a game related to the activity, such as a trivia game or charades, to reinforce learning in a fun way.
Record a video documenting the activity, including interviews with those involved sharing their insights and reflections. This may include filming each step of the flower-pressing process or the child explaining the parts of the flower that they have labelled on their flower-press diagram.
Create a chart or graph together to document which objects floated and sank in each liquid. Extend the activity by exploring other liquids found at home or in the kitchen, such as vinegar or syrup, and predict how objects will behave in the liquids. This can reinforce the child’s understanding of buoyancy and encourage further scientific exploration.
Use materials from the activity to build a model or prototype of something related to the topic, fostering hands-on learning and creativity.
Create a chart or graph together to document which objects floated and sank in each liquid. Extend the activity by exploring other liquids found at home or in the kitchen, such as vinegar or syrup, and predict how objects will behave in the liquids. This can reinforce the child’s understanding of buoyancy and encourage further scientific exploration.
Discuss
Choose an object or aspect of the activity to present to the rest of the family, explaining its significance and what they learned.
Choose a thought-provoking question or topic related to the activity and hold a family debate or discussion to explore different perspectives.
Sit down together to discuss the activity, allowing each family member to share their thoughts, discoveries and questions.
Have each family member prepare a short presentation about what they have learned, using visuals like drawings or props to illustrate key points.
Write
If the activity involved a visit to a museum or community centre, write thank-you notes to any instructors or organisers, reflecting on what has been learned.
Collaborate on writing a fictional story or play inspired by the themes or concepts explored during the activity.
Reflect on what has been learned during the activity and write letters to be opened at a later date, sharing thoughts, goals and aspirations.
If the activity involved outdoor exploration, begin a nature journal to document future outdoor adventures and observations.
Plan
Brainstorm ideas for a follow-up activity or experiment inspired by what has been learned during the initial activity.
Take time to reflect on how the activity could inspire new goals, discussing ways to incorporate similar experiences into your routine in the future.
If the activity involved a specific topic or field of study, reach out to experts or professionals for interviews or Q&A sessions to deepen understanding.
If you enjoyed the activity, why not share it with other families within your community? Plan a workshop or invite a friend over to re-create the experience and share your new knowledge.