With assessments over, it’s time to have fun with science. Each sector has been experimenting with float or sink. The deeper water trolley and a great science kit on loan from the Toy Library has given the students new and exciting ways to experience for themselves what will float and what will sink.

The Early Years loved going elbow deep in the water and many were able to count how many items would fit into the plastic boats before they would sink. They discovered that a cloth lily pad will float, but a metal one will sink. Taking turns with the materials was a valuable part of the experience.

Primary students were able to identify a number of reasons why the small boats sank, including filling with water, an uneven distribution of the load, and too many items on board. We read the story of Who Sank the Boat and used it to understand why a boat might sink. They also experimented with how to load the wooden raft to make it tip.

The secondary students were introduced to the concept of density and how air pockets can help even large metal ships to stay afloat. They also noticed that changing the angle of the sail on the boat could affect the equilibrium and cause it to sink. The accompanying task cards encourage them to think logically and problem solve solutions.

Getting a little wet was all part of the fun!