Floating and Sinking

What Is Floating?

Floating means an object stays on top of water.
A rubber duck, a leaf, and a small ball can float.
When you put them gently in a bowl of water, they do not sink.

What Is Sinking?

Sinking means an object goes down into the water.
A rock, a metal spoon, and a coin will sink.
They disappear below the surface and stay at the bottom.

Why Do Things Float or Sink?

Objects that are light for their size stay on top.
Objects that are heavy for their size go down.
Air inside a ball or a piece of wood makes them lighter, so they float.
Metal or stone has no air inside, so they are heavier and sink.

Try It at Home!

Ask a grown‑up to help you gather a few objects: a leaf, a small plastic toy, a rock, and a spoon.
Fill a bowl or a tub with water.
One by one, place each object in the water.
Watch which ones float and which ones sink.
Talk about why each object behaved the way it did.

Have fun exploring floating and sinking!