Performance Expectation

Sink or Float Adventure

Lesson Overview

Grade Level: Preschool (Ages 3-4)
NGSS Domain: Physical Science
KELS Standard: ATL.p4.3: Child focuses on a task of interest for at least 5 minutes.

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.

Preparation for Lesson

Materials:

• Water bin or a large clear tub
• Various objects to test (e.g., rubber duck, rock, plastic spoon, metal spoon, sponge, apple)
• Chart paper and markers
• Towels for spills

Technology:
No specific technology required

Student Groupings/Class Size:
This lesson is designed for a class size of 13 preschool students.

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.

Universal Design

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.

Contextual Information & Learning Environment Factors

The class consists of 13 preschool students, ages 3-4, with diverse backgrounds. Some students may require additional support with English (ELL) or have individualized education plans (IEP). The lesson fosters inclusive interaction and participation.

Pre-Teaching Reflection

• Feedback Areas: Effectiveness in maintaining engagement and clarity of concept explanation.
• Goal: To engage students actively and foster a curious mindset about science.

Instructional Sequence

Before the Lesson

Estimated time: 1 minute

• Set up the water bin and objects on a stable table.

Engage

Introduction (3 minutes)

1. Gather the students around the water bin area and have them sit in a semicircle.
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 size, it might float."

Activity - Sink or Float Exploration

Estimated time: 8 minutes

1. Predict and Test:

   • Show each object to the students, one at a time, and ask them to predict, "Do you think this will sink or float?"
   • Use BLUE FONT: Record their predictions on chart paper.
   • Allow each child to take turns placing an item in the water and observe the results.

2. Discuss Observations:

   • Use RED FONT: Ask questions like, "What happened with the rubber duck?" and "Why do you think the rock sank?"
   • Highlight the concept of density, reinforcing which materials are denser than water and therefore sink, and which are less dense and float.

Closing

Estimated time: 4 minutes

1. Review the activity: Summarize what was observed and learned about floating and sinking.
2. Reflect on focus time: Acknowledge the students for staying focused, "You all did a wonderful job being scientists and staying focused on our sink or float experiment!".
3. Conclude with a question: Encourage them to think beyond what they observed - "What objects at home can you test to see if they sink or float?"

Future Content Knowledge

This lesson introduces concepts that will be foundational in understanding states of matter, density, and buoyancy in later grades.