Name: Miranda Comstock

Grade: 2nd
DOES THAT SINK OR FLOAT?

At Impression 5 in Lansing, MI students will test the buoyancy of different material objects in
water. Students will discuss their predictions, observations, and theories as to why some objects
could float while others sink. Then, students will work together to develop an explanation as to
how buoyancy works using the evidence from their observations to support their claim.

Next Generation Science Standard:

2-PS1-1. Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials
by their observable properties.

Lesson Objectives
Students will understand that some objects float and some objects sink in water based on what
type of material the object is made of.

Students will be able to make observations of different materials property of buoyancy.

Students will be able to use their observations as evidence to support their claims about the
relationship of an objects material and buoyancy.

Materials Needed:
Objects of different materials:
Rock, rubber, metal, plastic, etc.
Observation journal (with pictures)
Pencils/ Crayons
Graphic Organizer

PROCEDURES
BEFORE FIELD TRIP:
1. Introduce students to 10 objects that are made of different materials.
2. Have each students complete a graphic organizer with their predictions as to whether each
of the 10 objects will sink or float in water (putting the pictures of the materials in the
appropriate column).
3. Have students share their predictions and brainstorm ways they could test to see if an object
could float or swim.
4. Explain that they will be visiting IMPRESSION 5 to investigate why some objects sink and
some objects float (buoyancy). Go over field trip procedures during this explanation.
AT IMPRESSION 5
1. Allow students to explore the Water Room for 15 minutes prior to starting the lesson.
2. Group students into groups of 4, and give each group the 10 materials that they will be
testing.
3. Have students record their observations (sink or float) on a graphic organizer.
4. Students will test out the buoyancy of different materials using the hands on Water Room.
5. Have students discuss in their groups their observations and how they compare to their
predictions.
6. As a whole group, ask small groups to share their observations and brainstorm why certain
materials sink / float.
7. As a whole group, formulate a theory as to how buoyancy works and have students provide
their observation results as evidence to their claims.
8. Allow students to explore the Water Room and other exhibits for the remainder of the field
trip.
Closure
As a whole class, students will share what they learned about buoyancy. Have students
brainstorm how they can relate this knowledge of to their lives outside of school, and write
their ideas on the board.