Science · Ages 4–5
Float or sink?
Does your child say “big things sink”? That’s a logical idea, and water lets them try it out. This free printable suggests questions instead of corrections, and three water games to play together: a tub of objects, modeling clay and an ice cube. An adult stays within arm’s reach of the water the whole time.
Download the printable (PDF, 2 pages)US Letter size. Print single-sided, at 100% (actual size). Black and white is fine.
Page 1, for you
- Why “big things sink” is a logical idea.
- The key idea, in a simple diagram: size or weight alone don’t decide.
- Three questions to ask instead of correcting.
- Safety: an adult stays within arm’s reach of the water, from start to finish.
- How to play the three games: the tub, the clay and the ice cube challenge.
- Notes to read after the try, and a cut-out slip to play again a few days later.
Page 2, for your child
- A page with no text: pictures to circle, no reading needed.
- Before the try, a picture under the question mark; after it, a picture under the eye.
- Three games: the tub of six objects, the clay as a ball then as a boat, the ice cube and the key.
- A big frame to draw what surprised them.
Our videos for parents
This printable goes with the “Float or sink” episode of “Understand the concept,” our video series for parents. Watch the episode on Ludip’s YouTube channel.
Watch the “Float or sink” episodeLudip: Math & Science Stories
Ludip is a collection of math and science comic series for kids. Every episode tells a story around one concept to understand, then activities invite your child to explore it through play. Ludip is coming to iPhone, iPad and Android.
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