Class Science Experiment Sink or Float

Every year my class participates in the annual Metz Science Fair. Even though our school is very good about setting up classes for our parents to learn how to support their child during an at home science experiment, I rarely have a parent choose to work with their own child on an experiment at home. So each year, as a class, we brainstorm ideas that seem interesting to us to explore.

In the past, with my class: we planted seeds and exposed them to different variables to see which one had the best plant growth, we painted our fingernails with different nail polish to see which would last the longest, we discovered which color of construction paper would absorb the most heat/light, we tested which type of bubble gum would blow the biggest bubbles, and we engineered several slanted race tracks with different surfaces to see which would cause the most friction. This year, after we wrapped up our unit on liquids and solids, the kids wanted to work some more with solids and liquids by conducting sink or float experiments.

I walked the students through the steps of the scientific process and discussed the connections each section can have to everyday discussions or happenings. As a class, we chose our materials carefully for the experiment and we agreed that each person was also allowed to bring in a "surprise" object to use in the experiment.  

My students had a wonderful time being scientists and I was glad to have one more successful science experiment under my belt! Here are some photos from the day of the actual experiment, our report and our science fair board assembled by the kids.

Here are some helpful websites for you to look at!

All Science Fair Projects

Science is Fun

Kids Science Experiments

Also doing a search for "science experiments" on Scholastic will reveal dozens and dozens of articles and ideas you can use in your own classroom! 

Science is the systematic classification of experience. ~George Henry Lewes 

Comments

[Jennifer Mare]

I have the same name, and I'm FIVE. your class looks life fun. I want to join.

[Jennifer Mare]

I have the same name, and I'm FIVE. your class looks life fun. I want to join.

[Jennifer]

Thanks Jennifer- There seems to be a lot of Jennifer's in my life right now! One more and we could call it a party! We'd love to have you. Good luck in 1st grade next year!