★Float or Sink
Preschool Science Worksheet
Circle the picture.
Circle the one that floats.
Circle the one that sinks.
Circle the one that floats.
Circle the one that sinks.
PencilGoPreschool · Science · Physical science
Preschool Float or Sink worksheets
6 printable versionsOn LevelAbout 3 minutes eachFree · no account
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About this worksheet
Predicting first and checking afterwards is the whole of early science, and floating is the easiest place to start because the result appears in a second. Each question on this page shows one object, or asks about one idea, and your child answers by pointing at a picture, so the reading load is zero. The rock went straight to the bottom; which of these does the same? The boat stayed on top; which one does that too?
Which one floats? Which one sinks? Both outcomes are always on the page, so the pictures have to be looked at. The stretch level adds a fourth picture, so there is one more thing to rule out. Afterwards, fill a bowl and test the safe ones for real. Say the prediction out loud before each object goes in, then watch what actually happens.
What your child will learn
- Predict whether a familiar object will float or sink
- Sort objects by what they do in water rather than by size
- Notice that a small coin sinks while a big apple floats
- Say a prediction out loud, then check it in a bowl of water
Head Start ELOF standard: P-SCI 4, 2-PS1-1
Worked example
The page shows one rock and you say it went straight to the bottom. Of the pictures offered, the key is the one that does the same, so your child points to the key.
Common mistake
Deciding from size alone, so every small thing is expected to float and every big thing to sink.
Helpful hint
Ask your child to picture the object set gently on still water: does it stay on top, or go down?
Questions parents ask
What is the most common mistake with float or sink?
Deciding from size alone, so every small thing is expected to float and every big thing to sink.
How can I help my child with float or sink?
Ask your child to picture the object set gently on still water: does it stay on top, or go down?
Are these preschool science worksheets free to print?
Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.
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