Instructional Software

Lesson Idea Name: Sink or Float

Content Area: Science
Grade Level(s): Kindergarten

Content Standard Addressed: SKP1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to describe objects in
terms of the materials they are made of and their physical attributes. c. Plan and carry out an investigation to
predict and observe whether objects, based on their physical attributes, will sink or float.

Technology Standard Addressed: 3c.Knowledge Constructor

Selected Technology Tool: Brain Pop

URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable): https://jr.brainpop.com/science/forces/sinkorfloat

Type of Instructional Software:

☐ Drill and Practice ☒ Tutorial ☐ Simulation ☐ Instructional Game ☐ e-books/e-references

Features of this software (check all that apply):

☐ Assessment Monitoring/Reporting
☐ Allows teacher to create customized lessons for students
☐ Multi-user or collaborative functions with others in the class
☐ Multi-user or collaborative with others outside the class
☒ Accessible to students beyond the school day
☒ Accessible via mobile devices
☒ Multiple languages
☒ Safety, security and/or privacy features

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):

☒ Remembering ☒ Understanding ☒ Applying ☐ Analyzing ☐ Evaluating ☐ Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level):

☐ Level 1: Awareness ☐ Level 2: Exploration ☒ Level 3: Infusion ☐ Level 4: Integration
☐ Level 5: Expansion ☐ Level 6: Refinement

Universal Design for Learning (UDL):

Engagement: I will have three station set up in the classroom for the students to rotate and engage in. I will
pre-teach vocabulary to make connection with sink and float.
Representation: At each station I will have different materials that will sink or float for the students to
explore. I will allow the students to choose the station they want to explore. I will provide ELL’s with sentence
starters to discuss sink or float.
Action and Expression: I will put out poster boards, pictures of the images that float or sink and small pails of
water. I will let the students create a poster that categorize what items float or sink.
Lesson idea implementation: I will tell my students to sit on the carpet in front of the Smartboard. I will read
the content standard off the board. I will play the Brain Pop Jr. video Sink or Float for the class. I will ask the
students questions about the video to check for understanding. What objects float? What objects sink? If
some of my students didn’t remember I would play the video again. After the video me and the students will

Spring 2018_SJB
 Instructional Software
go to station one. I will have three stations set up in the class for the students to explore after I demonstrate
what to do. At each station there will be a small pail with water and objects that sink or float. I will ask the
students to observe and touch the items such as rocks, marbles, pencils, etc. I will hold up an item and ask the
students to raise their hands if they think the item will float or sink. I will place the item in the pail of water to
see which answer was correct. I will place the image of the object on the chart under sink or float category. I
will let the students explore a station, discuss if items sink or float and group the items accordingly. At the end
of the lesson I will have the students sit on the carpet. I will ask students question about items that sink or
float to check their understanding. I will call on three students to demonstrate. I will look at their poster to
check if the items are in the right category and provide feedback. For higher learning I would ask what other
items you think would sink or float and try the activity at home with their parent. I will conclude by going over
why items sink or float. This activity should take about thirty minutes for students to complete and one hour
for the lesson.

Reflective Practice: The sink or float activity impacts students learning through engagement, vocabulary,
exploration, and science. I could extend the lesson by bringing in other items like a boat, rubber duck or let
the students create their own boat made from clay. I could use the Brain Pop video to show students how to
make their boats out of clay. I will ask the students to make predictions on what items will sink or float. The
students could test those items and see if they sink or float. I will set the stations up and let the students see
what more advanced items sink or float. I will review at the end of the lesson what items sink or float and
why.

Spring 2018_SJB