In this hands-on science activity, your kids will love discovering whether objects sink or float in water. Have them help build their boats and observe what works and what doesn't. In the experiment, students will learn about density and buoyancy, and utilize fine motor skills. Our sink or float science project is great for any age and really gets kids thinking and predicting. Have fun!

Materials

Boat 1:

2 Rubber Bands

3 Wine Corks

1 Toothpick

Foam Paper

Boat 2:

1 Toothpick

Half an Apple

Foam Paper

Boat 3:

Hot Glue or Duct Tape

Straws

Clear Cup (Optional)

Directions

Boat 1:

1. Place 3 wine corks together and wrap two rubber bands around them. Keep the corks  flat in a row.
2. Cut a triangle out of the foam paper for the “sail.” Poke the toothpick through the foam paper and place the toothpick between 2 corks. Put it in water to see what happens!

Boat 2:

1. Cut an apple in half. Cut a triangle out of the foam paper. Place your toothpick through the foam paper to make the “sail.”
2. Place your sail into the apple with the skin side of the apple downwards. Put it in water to see what happens!

Boat 3:

1. This boat can be made how your kids want to engineer it. Cut out even pieces of straws, 4 inches lengthwise. Cut more pieces evenly 3 inches lengthwise.
2. Clear cup version: Glue two 4 inch straws side by side. Then a 3 inch straw below in the middle of both 4 in straws. Do this 4 times.
3. Next, glue all four pieces together to make a square.
4. Take a 5 Inch piece of straw and glue it straight in the bottom-center of the cup. Glue a triangle to the top of the straw to make a flag. Place the clear cup on the inside of the square you made. Put it in water to see what happens!

Tip: Have a boat race! See which boat flies across the water the fastest.

Jenna is a staff writer and production assistant at Creative Child Magazine. She is currently attending University of Nevada - Las Vegas.