Last week was a big success with our Pirate Ship, so this week we have been focusing on which of our toys float and which ones sink. Before we headed to our location I showed the children two picture cards with writing on, one card said floating and the other said sinking. We then discussed what we could see.
After our snack we headed down to our wicker maze which is surrounded by a wicker fence with two openings, this was a perfect place to start our session. The children helped me pour the water into the water tray, and I praised them by saying “Wow what big strong children we have”.
It was time to get going, so I showed the children two toys; one that floats and you guessed it, one that sunk! This was a great way of getting the children to understand our learning intention. Some children may never have come across this before. A few of the older children understood this prior to the session; which was great to observe.
Taking it in turns the children could come and choose a toy to place in the water, these varied from a baby doll to a cow. When collecting the toys in the Burrow I struggled to find something that sinks, even our natural objects float! Alas, finally I found an octopus and some number stones!
As each child placed their chosen toy in the water, as a group we reflected on what was happening. I used examples like “is it floating like our duck?” Lots of ideas were flying everywhere and one boy used the sentence “Look it is bobbing!”
Then it was time to find some natural materials; stones, sticks and pine cones. Before the children went the explore the resources they could fine, I explained that we must only pick these items and prior to the session I searched the area to ensure it was safe. The children went exploring, rummaging and searching for materials they could use. The water tray then ended up being packed with materials that it was impossible to see what was floating/sinking and you should have seen the size of some sticks the children bought back!
Now we have covered the basics of floating and sinking it would be lovely if you could carry this on at home, bath time would be a great example!
Thanks for reading. Have a good weekend!
Lauren