If you want to keep a toddlers attention for more than 2 seconds, give them an activity that involves water. I was amazed that this science for toddlers activity did not result in my twin girl getting completely soaked from the chest down as our usual water explorations can cause.
This sink and float toddler science activity with water was interesting to her-for about 20 minutes!
I actually had to stop her because we had to eat dinner.
This activity for toddlers is so classic-which means many bloggers have their take on it. I love the basics of this, and how it takes simple items found in your house or in your backyard and turn them into a tot school activity!
What you need:
Plastic bin or bucket
Water
Stick
Eraser
Metal spoon
(any other items that are around for further exploration)
Sink or Float Science for Toddlers
Fill the bin with water.
Show your child each item and ask them, “Do you think these things will float in the water or sink to the bottom? What about this stick? Can you put it in the water and see if it sinks or floats?”
Continue with each item emphasizing which items sink and which float.
My toddler was capable of telling me “It sinks!” or “It floats!” I was so excited to see how interested she was with this science for toddlers activity. (I wish I could get her to focus like this all the time, but that is just toddler development for ya!)
We explored this science activity for toddlers outside in the backyard. Nearby was our water table, so my daughter grabbed a few of the water toys laying around and tried to see if they would sink or float. It was fun to see how long her attention span lasted! This simple science activity kept her interest and allowed her to extend as she was interested.
Talk with your child while they are doing any learning activity-that vocabulary exposure is great for their language development.
Check out these Sink or Float Science Activities for Toddlers from other bloggers:
Pumpkin sink or float – JDaniel4’s Mom
Free Printable Sink or Float Sorting sheets – Buggy and Buddy
Use the Water Table for Sink and Float Exploration – Mom Inspired Life
Try Comparing Sinking or Floating in Fresh Water and Salt Water – Our Everyday Life
Sink or Float with Natural Materials – Laughing Kids Learn
This Moms Share Series activity idea was contributed by mom, Kaumadi Nagawhatte, who lives in Sri Lanka.
Enjoy your time at home!
I always have this activity in my class. Every single year. 🙂 And children’s reactions are always the same. Amazement and excitement! It can get a messy though especially if you have students who just can’t stop themselves from splashing their friends with water. 😛
Ha ha! Yes that is always a consideration. Toddlers love playing with water. 🙂