Splash Science Teacher Guide
Splash Science
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Grade 1 Science
Physical Science
Learning Objective
Students will be able to predict whether common classroom objects will sink or float and categorize them based on their physical properties and test results.
Materials Needed
- Small tubs of water (1 per group)
- Bag of items: pencil, eraser, paperclip, foil, plastic spoon
- Prediction Cards (1 set per student)
- Sorting Mats (1 per group)
- Student Worksheets
- Rock and Leaf (for warm-up)
Vocabulary
Float
To stay on top of the water.
Sink
To fall to the bottom of the water.
Prediction
A smart guess about what might happen.
Density
How crowded the "stuff" inside an object is.
Lesson Procedure
5
Minutes
Warm-up: Rock vs. Leaf
Show the class a rock and a leaf. Ask them to give a thumbs up if they think it will float, or a thumbs down if it will sink. Repeat for the leaf. Briefly ask: "Why do you think that?"
10
Minutes
Video: Lighthouse Lab
"Lighthouse Lab – Floating and Sinking" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fc25sQAB9O4)
- Pause at 1:46: Hand out Prediction Cards.
- Play & Predict: For each object the host holds up (Clay, Coin, Polystyrene, Ping Pong Ball, Marble, Wood), have students hold up their Float or Sink card before she drops it.
- Discuss: Note how the wood block surprise (3:03) challenges the "heavy things sink" idea.
20
Minutes
Activity: Classroom Aquarium
Students work in small groups with a tub of water and a bag of classroom items.
Steps:
- Pick an item.
- Predict: Sink or Float?
- Record on worksheet.
- Drop in water and observe.
- Place on the correct side of the Sorting Mat.
Items to Test:
Pencil, Eraser, Paperclip, Aluminum Foil (scrunched and flat), Plastic Spoon.
5
Minutes
Closure: Splash Debrief
Gather students. Did any results surprise you? (e.g., the heavy pencil floats!). Introduce Density as the "secret ingredient." Explain it simply: density is about how "crowded" the stuff inside an object is compared to water.
Quick Tips
Management: Place towels under the water tubs before the activity starts to catch inevitable splashes!
Extension: Ask students if a boat made of heavy metal can float. This connects back to the rubber duck (air inside).
Splash Science Slides
Splash Science
Sink or Float?
Warm-Up
🪨
The Rock
Will it sink or float?
🍃
The Leaf
Will it sink or float?
Float
Sink
What causes things to sink or float?
"It has to do with something called Density..."
Lighthouse Lab
Predict Time!
Embedded media
Hold up your Prediction Cards when the host shows an object!
Classroom Aquarium
1
Pick an item and Predict if it will sink or float.
2
Test it in your tub of water.
3
Sort the item onto your mat.
Our Items
✏️ Pencil
🧽 Eraser
📎 Paperclip
🥄 Spoon
✨ Foil
Density
The Secret Ingredient!
Density is how CROWDED the "stuff" is inside an object.
Splash Science Worksheet
My Splash Report
Classroom Aquarium Lab • Physical Science
Name:
Date:
1. Pick an object. 2. Circle your prediction. 3. Test it in water!
| Object | Prediction | Test Result |
|---|
| ✏️ Pencil | | |
| Float Sink | | |
|
Float Sink
|
| 🧽 Eraser |
Float Sink
|
Float Sink
|
| 📎 Paperclip |
Float Sink
|
Float Sink
|
| ✨ Foil |
Float Sink
|
Float Sink
|
| 🥄 Spoon |
Float Sink
|
Float Sink
|
Any surprises? Why?
Word of the Day
Density
"How crowded an object is inside!"