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Sink or Float

Science • 15 • 13 students • Created with AI following Aligned with Common Core State Standards

Science
15
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 Float and Sink by Robin Nelson Brief description of comprehension strategy Use PURPLE FONT in your Instructional Sequence. List & define 3-5 terms • 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. Brief description of vocabulary integration strategy Use BLUE FONT in your Instructional Sequence. Lesson Source Classroom Teacher 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.

Sink or Float

Lesson Overview

Grade Level: Preschool (Ages 3-4)
Subject/Curriculum Area: Physical Science
NGSS Domain: Physical Science
Performance Expectation:

  • 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

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

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

Materials Needed:

  • 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

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.

Introduction (2 minutes):
Greet the students warmly and invite them to gather around the water bin. Show them the book "Float and Sink" by Robin Nelson, and explain that today they will be scientists discovering which objects float on water and which sink. Highlight that scientists explore and make PREDICTIONS about what will happen before they test their ideas.

Vocabulary Integration:

  • Use BLUE FONT to introduce key terms:
    • 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.

Exploration (5 minutes):
Pass around each item (large pumpkin, small pumpkin, rock, leaf, and stick) for students to feel and examine. Encourage them to share their thoughts aloud about each item's density or how heavy it feels for its size. Ask them to make a PREDICTION whether each object will sink or float when placed in water. Record their responses on a chart.

Experiment (5 minutes):

  1. With great enthusiasm, start by placing one object at a time into the water bin.
  2. RED FONT: Emphasize key assessment moments as students note whether their predictions were correct.
  3. Encourage them to reflect on why some objects float (like the leaf) while others sink (like the rock).
  4. Lead a brief discussion about how DENSITY affects whether something will sink or float.

Conclusion (3 minutes):
Gather students and review the results. Celebrate their curiosity and scientific thinking. Ask if anyone was surprised by any object’s behavior in the water. Close with a fun chant: "Sink or Float? Now we know!"

Vocabulary Recap:
Revisit the terms in BLUE FONT: Prediction, Sink, Float, and Density.

Differentiation Strategies

  • Provide tactile objects for sensory exploration for students needing additional support.
  • Encourage peer-to-peer discussions to support varied learning needs, especially for ELL and students with IEPs.

Cross-Curricular Connections

  • Math: Counting the objects tested and recording data.
  • Language Arts: Listening to the story "Float and Sink" enhances comprehension skills.

Feedback Request

  1. Effectiveness in Maintaining Engagement: Was the pacing and variety of activities sufficient to hold the preschoolers' attention?
  2. Clarity of Concept Explanation: Did the use of vocabulary and hands-on exploration clearly convey the concepts of sinking and floating?

Teacher’s Personal Goal

To engage students actively and foster a curious mindset about science, making learning an exciting discovery journey.


This lesson plan impressively aligns with Preschool's principles of discovery and exploration, fostering an engaging, hands-on approach to early science education.

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