How do boats stay afloat?

Topics Reception/Year 1
This unit is part of Oceans and Seas Boats and Ships

Objectives

Science

  • Observe closely, using simple equipment.
  • Perform simple tests.
  • Use observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions.

Computing

  • Use technology purposefully to create, store and retrieve digital content.

Maths

  • Measure and begin to record mass/weight.
  • Choose and use appropriate standard units to measure mass (kg/g) to the nearest appropriate unit, using scales.

Lesson Planning

Carry out simple floating and sinking experiments and begin to understand why heavy metal boats float.

Teaching Outcomes
To experiment with objects to find out what floats and what sinks.
To make suggestions as to why objects float or sink.
To record experiments using digital photography equipment.
To measure the weight of various materials and objects.

Children will:

  • Conduct and record simple experiments to explore floating and sinking.
  • Offer explanations as to why heavy metal boats float.
  • Explore whether salt water and fresh water affect an object’s ability to float.
  • Make predictions based on own knowledge, previous experience and observations.
  • Use photography to record the results of experiments.
  • Use scales to weigh objects.

You Will Need

  • Tubs of water
  • Floating bath toy
  • Metal object, same size as bath toy
  • Modelling clay
  • Scales
  • Table salt
  • Whole, uncooked eggs
  • Digital cameras
  • Range of small objects of varying buoyancy