Instant float and sink

[Ruthierhyme]

Engage the interest of children in planned float and sink activities that use submersible baskets and boxes filled with items that, once placed in the water will quickly float to the surface or stay 'stuck and sunk on the bottom!

Full list of ideas & items on this thread





The flexi basket used in the photo was purchased at a local Poundstore shop and contains:

• A bar of soap
• A shark
• A decoration string of blue icicle looking beads - purchased during the Christmas period and cut into manageable lengths.
• A scrunchy body wash.
• A decorators foam roller
• 2 differently sized transparent pots
• A paper gift bag
• A white plastic gift bag
• Two small zip lock bags with sequins/glitter:
  --- one of these has had water added to it.
  Amazon affiliated link - Ziplock or grip seal bags
• Selection of coloured, textured wire pipes - craft stems
• A large jingle bell

Source the basket or container in an aquatics shop/supplier if having problems locating anything suitable.

Aquatic pond plant pot / basket amazon afilliate link.

Gently and slowly lower the basket & its contents into the water tray/bowl. As the water fills the basket the contents should remain in place or begin to rise with the surface of the water.

After the initial introduction and exploration you can challege everyones play by seeing if:

The floating objects can be helped to sink
and the sinking objects can be helped to float.

Ask

What else can be carried in bags
What happens to paper and plastic in water

See what additional items you can find to explore float and sink:

Plastic, wood, paper, fabric, malleable and tactile items, metal.

Solitary play

Small zip lock bags are great for individual activities.
Using beans, buttons, sequins, glitter and other small items and show how they can be put into the bags, zip locked or grip seal secured so that they do not fall out again.

In a quieter area have a selection of mixers on offer - water, clear gloop made with arrowroot/borax, paint or a soapy mix - washing up liquid. Allow free choice over what to put in and help where needed.
Leave some ready filled bags on a surface or tray for general access.

Towels, mops and cloths also at the ready ..

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Please add on with any water, float & sink activities you've been involved with ..