Sink or Float - Mrs. Bs Beehive - Free Printable

This image displays a children's educational activity focused on the scientific concept of "Sink or Float." The task is to sort various objects into two categories: those that will sink in water and those that will float.

The solution involves identifying each object shown and applying basic principles of density and buoyancy. An object will float if it is less dense than water, and it will sink if it is more dense than water.

Let's break down the objects and their expected behavior:

- Anchor: Made of metal, which is very dense. It will sink.
- Boat (sailboat): Designed to displace a large volume of water relative to its weight, making it buoyant. It will float.
- Crayon: Typically made of wax, which is less dense than water. It will float.
- Base 10 cube: Usually made of plastic, which is less dense than water. It will float.
- Canoe: Like the sailboat, it is designed to float. It will float.
- Key: Made of metal, which is dense. It will sink.
- Pencil: Wood and graphite are both less dense than water. It will float.
- Magnet: Typically made of metal (like iron), which is dense. It will sink.
- Dice: Usually made of plastic or wood, both less dense than water. They will float.
- Ball: A rubber or plastic ball is designed to be buoyant. It will float.
- Magnifying glass: The lens is glass (dense) and the frame is often plastic or metal. The overall density usually causes it to sink, especially if the glass part is heavy.

Therefore, the correct sorting for the activity is:

SINK
- Anchor
- Key
- Magnet
- Magnifying glass

FLOAT
- Sailboat
- Crayon
- Base 10 cube
- Canoe
- Pencil
- Dice
- Ball

This activity helps children learn about physical properties through hands-on prediction and experimentation.