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Exploring Sinking and Floating

Science • 20 • 13 students • Created with AI following Aligned with Common Core State Standards

Science
20
13 students
21 October 2024

Teaching Instructions

Grade level (KELS age) Preschool (3-4) NGSS Domain, Disciplinary Core Idea, & Title (KELS standard) Physical Science Performance Expectation (KELS indicator) • ATL.p4.3: Child focuses on a task of interest for at least 5 minutes. • 2-PS1-1: Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify materials by their observable properties

OPTIONAL if included with standard: Clarification Statement (n/a KELS) OPTIONAL if applicable: Science & Engineering Practice (n/a KELS) Disciplinary Core Idea (n/a KELS) Crosscutting concept (n/a KELS) OPTIONAL if included with standard: NGSS Assessment Boundary (n/a KELS) Compelling question Lesson Learning Objective Students will understand… Lesson Performance Objective Students will be able to…

Objectives should stem from Performance Expectation or KELS Indicator Lesson Learning Objective: TSWBAT understand the concept of sinking and floating based on the density of objects with 70 percent accuracy. Lesson Performance Objective: TSWBAT predict and observe whether objects sink or float in water, and recognize objects' densities 8 out of 10 times.

Assessment & Criteria Use RED FONT within your Instructional Sequence. Name of text/author Brief description of comprehension strategy Use PURPLE FONT in your Instructional Sequence. List & define 3-5 terms Brief description of vocabulary integration strategy Use BLUE FONT in your Instructional Sequence. Lesson Source Materials Materials: • Water bin or a large clear tub • Various objects to test (large pumpkin, small pumpkin, rock, leaf, and stick) • Prediction worksheet and markers • Towels for spills Technology N/A Student groupings/class size Whole Group 13 students Other Lesson Considerations, include special classroom logistics, specific behavior rules, Safety must be addressed in this section. Safety Considerations: Ensure that the water bin is stable on the table to prevent spills. Discuss with students the importance of keeping water inside the bin and not splashing. Have towels ready for quick clean-ups. Real-world and cross-curricular applications This lesson touches on fundamental principles of physical science and incorporates math skills through counting and data recording. It also supports students' focus and inquiry skills. Anticipated Differentiation Strategies Provide tactile objects for sensory exploration. Assist children with predictions and encourage peer-to-peer discussions to support varied learning needs. Prior Knowledge needed for this lesson No specific prior knowledge is required. Representation Visual aids and hands-on activities are used to represent content clearly. Engagement Encouraging curiosity by asking students to predict results engages them throughout the lesson. Action & Expression Students physically manipulate objects and express their thoughts verbally. What are the demographics of your students? (age, grade, diversity, number of students, ELL, IEP, interpersonal interactions/behaviors) The class consists of 13 preschool students, ages 3-4, with diverse backgrounds. One student may require additional support with English (ELL) or two who have individualized education plans (IEP). The lesson fosters inclusive interaction and participation. What are 2 specific areas within this lesson that you would like to receive feedback on? Feedback Areas: Effectiveness in maintaining engagement and clarity of concept explanation.

What is one goal you have for yourself during this lesson? To engage students actively and foster a curious mindset about science. INSTRUCTIONAL SEQUENCE Write out detailed lesson procedures and activities. Be sure to include questions you will ask during the lesson and the expected student responses. Your plan should be detailed enough for another teacher or substitute to teach it without having to ask you any questions. Numbering and bullets are permissible, preferable, and highly encouraged. Estimated time: 1 min • Set up the water bin and objects on the stage. • Set up prediction worksheet on teacher board Estimated time: Introduction Gather students at their desk and you will talk about prediction. Sound out the word and clap and counted the syllables in the word. Tell the students that it is a guess and they will be using their brains. Then go one by one by student number to ask the student their prediction if they think the pumpkin will sink or float. After predicitons are made the student will then proceed to the stage.

Then review the stages of the pumpkin and the parts of a pumpkin to engage prior learning.

  1. Gather the students around the water bin area and have them sit on their assigned dot.
  2. Explain the activity: Tell the students they will be scientists today, observing which objects sink and which float.
  3. Introduce the concept of density in simple terms: • "Density is about how tightly packed together the tiny pieces inside an object are. If an object is heavy for its size, it might sink. If it feels light for its si

Exploring Sinking and Floating

Overview

Grade Level: Preschool (Ages 3-4)
Curriculum Domain: Physical Science
Performance Expectations:

  • ATL.p4.3: Child focuses on a task of interest for at least 5 minutes.
  • 2-PS1-1: Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify materials by their observable properties.

Objectives

Lesson Learning Objective:
Students will understand the concept of sinking and floating based on the density of objects.

Lesson Performance Objective:
Students will be able to predict and observe whether objects sink or float in water and recognize objects' densities 8 out of 10 times.

Instructional Sequence

Introduction (5 minutes)

  1. Initiate by gathering students at their desks and introducing the idea of "prediction."
    • Sound out the word "prediction," clap, and count the syllables with students: "pre-dic-tion."
    • Explain that a prediction is a "guess" using our brains.
  2. Utilize the Prediction Worksheet on the board. Call students by number to predict if a pumpkin will sink or float.
    • Teacher Question: "Do you think the pumpkin will sink or float?"
    • Expected Student Responses: "Sink!" or "Float!"
  3. After predictions, guide students to the demonstration area.

Explanation (3 minutes)

  1. Gather students in a circle around the water bin, ensuring they sit on their assigned dots.
  2. Explain today's exploration:
    • "Today, we're going to be scientists! We'll see which objects sink to the bottom and which ones float on top of the water."
  3. Introduce "Density" in simple terms:
    • "Density is about how tightly packed together the tiny pieces inside something are. If an object feels heavy for its size, it might sink. If it's light for its size, it might float!"

Activity (10 minutes)

  1. Introducing Vocabulary:

    • Prediction: A smart guess about what will happen.

    • Sink: Go down to the bottom of the water.

    • Float: Stay on top of the water.

    • Density: How packed together the tiny pieces inside something are.

    • Engage students with a quick tactile session by letting them feel the objects first.

  2. Testing Objects:

    • Object 1: Small Pumpkin
    • Object 2: Large Pumpkin
    • Object 3: Rock
    • Object 4: Leaf
    • Object 5: Stick
  3. Encourage student predictions before each test.

    • Teacher Question: "Will this float or sink?"
    • Expected Responses: "Float" or "Sink."
  4. Allow students to place the objects into the water bin one at a time.

    • Observe what happens.
    • Post-Observation Discussion: "What did we see? Did it match our prediction?"
  5. Record results on the Prediction Worksheet. Use a simple mark like a check or an "X" to indicate the outcome.

Conclusion (2 minutes)

  1. Wrap-Up Discussion:

    • Review what they learned about sink and float.
    • Reinforce the idea of density with a simple conclusion: "Some things sink because they're heavier for their size, and some float because they're lighter!"
    • Celebrate their roles as scientists for the day!
  2. Clean-Up:

    • Students will help tidy up the materials.
    • Use towels to ensure water is cleaned, reinforcing responsibility and care.

Assessment & Feedback

  • Use red font to highlight when students maintain focus on tasks.
  • Use purple font to emphasize comprehension of the experiment’s outcome.
  • Use blue font to assess the understanding of vocabulary through hands-on engagement and discussions.

Materials

  • A clear bin filled with water
  • Various objects: large pumpkin, small pumpkin, rock, leaf, and stick
  • Prediction worksheets and markers
  • Towels for spill management

Safety Considerations

  • Ensure stability of the water bin to avoid accidental spills.
  • Emphasize the importance of gentle handling and keeping water inside the bin.

Real-World and Cross-Curricular Applications

  • Linking physical science concepts with math skills through counting and prediction.
  • Encouraging focus and inquiry-based learning aligns with developing broader academic skills.

Differentiation Strategies

  • Provide tactile exploration for sensory learners.
  • Support English language learners and students with IEPs through visual aids and peer assistance.

With engaging activities and clear steps, this lesson plan offers a rich experience for preschool learners to explore the science of sinking and floating with confidence and curiosity.

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