Mai Lesson
Sink or Float Challenge!
Science · 30 min · Ages 4-5 · Pre-K/K · You and your child together
This lesson challenges young learners to become detectives, predicting and testing which everyday objects will float and which will sink. It encourages observation and critical thinking through hands-on water play. Together, you'll discover the surprising science behind floating objects.
What your child gets out of it
- Predict whether common objects will float or sink in water.
- Observe and describe the behavior of objects placed in water.
- Begin to understand simple concepts related to buoyancy through experimentation.
What you need
- Bowl — A clear bowl lets you see everything better! (or Container, Basin)
- Water
- Small Toy — Something small that can fit in the bowl. (or Plastic Toy, Toy Car)
- Pebble — A small rock from outside works great. (or Small Rock)
- Leaf — Something light and natural. (or Feather)
- Crayon (or Pen Cap, Eraser)
- Small Block Of Wood
- Coin
- Cork (or Wine Cork, Bottle Stopper)
How it runs
- Introduction · 5 min
- Explore & Plan · 8 min
- Discussion · 6 min
- Activity · 9 min
- Summary · 2 min
Why it matters
Engineers and boat builders use the science of floating to design ships that carry people and goods all over the world.
Mai is a tutor your child talks to out loud. Open this lesson in the app and she'll run it with them.
Open in Mai SchoolAlready have the app? Tap the link again from your phone and it opens right there.