Mai Lesson

The Great Float-or-Sink Challenge!

Science · 30 min · Any age · You and your child together

Embark on a hands-on adventure to uncover why some objects float and others sink! You'll make predictions, conduct experiments with everyday items, and even make a sinking object float, discovering the secret science of density along the way.

What your child gets out of it

• Observe and predict whether objects will float or sink in water.
• Experimentally discover how changing a liquid's density affects buoyancy.
• Explain the concept of density in simple terms.
• Design an experiment to make a sinking object float.

What you need

• Clear drinking glasses — At least 2-3 are ideal for comparing. (or clear bowls, mason jars)
• Tap water
• Table salt — Plenty needed for the experiment. (or Epsom salt, sea salt)
• Large raw egg — Careful, it's fragile! (or small potato, grape)
• Spoon — For stirring. (or stick, whisk)
• Small objects for testing — Collect a variety of household items before starting, e.g., grape, coin, bottle cap, small plastic toy, piece of apple, cereal.

How it runs

1. Introduction - Breakfast Buoyancy · 4 min
2. Explore & Plan - The Prediction Ponder · 7 min
3. Discussion - Unpacking the Density Secret · 7 min
4. Activity - The Floating Egg Mission! · 9 min
5. Summary - Real-World Floaters · 3 min