Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before this lesson, prepare a large bowl or basin filled with water and a collection of safe, familiar objects that clearly float (e.g., feather, leaf, small stick, plastic toy, cork, balloon, nylon) and objects that clearly sink (e.g., stone, key, coin, metal spoon, small toy car). The central idea for pupils is to understand that water comes from different places and that objects have different properties, causing some to float and others to sink. Supervise all water play closely to ensure safety and prevent spills. Successful learning will be observed when pupils can name common water sources and demonstrate or predict whether an object will float or sink.
Class: Pre-School Level 2
Term: Second Term
Week: 9
Age: 3 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Pre-Science
Curriculum Theme: Not separately stated in the scheme.
Previous Lesson: Uses of Water
Topic: Sources of Water and Objects That Float or Sink
Subject Matter: Sources of Water. Objects That Float on Water. Objects That Sink in Water.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Identify at least two sources of water (e.g., tap, rain, river, well).
- Name at least two objects that float on water.
- Name at least two objects that sink in water.
Affective Domain
- Show curiosity and interest in exploring objects in water.
- Participate actively in the floating and sinking activity.
Psychomotor Domain
- Point to pictures of different water sources.
- Gently place objects into water to observe if they float or sink.
Social Domain
- Share observations about what happens to objects in water.
- Take turns when participating in the practical activity.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 2
- Early Childhood Care and Education resources
Instructional Materials
- Large bowl or basin filled with water
- Charts or pictures showing sources of water (tap, rain, river, well, borehole)
- Objects that float: feather, leaf, small stick, cork, small plastic toy, balloon, nylon
- Objects that sink: stone, key, coin, metal spoon, small toy car, sponge
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson is important for 3-year-olds as it helps them understand where the essential resource of water comes from in their daily lives. Through hands-on exploration of floating and sinking, pupils develop early scientific observation skills, learn to make predictions, and discover basic properties of materials in a fun and engaging way, connecting abstract concepts to concrete experiences.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have seen and used water for various purposes like drinking, washing, and bathing. They are familiar with many common objects found at home and school.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Sources of Water and Objects That Float or Sink
Sources of Water
- Tap: Water that comes out of pipes in our homes and school.
- Rain: Water that falls from the sky when it rains.
- River: A large natural stream of water that flows across the land.
- Well: A deep hole dug in the ground to get water.
- Borehole: A narrow hole drilled into the ground to get water, often with a pump.
Objects That Float on Water
These objects stay on top of the water.
- Feather
- Leaf
- Small stick
- Cork
- Small plastic toy
- Balloon
- Nylon
Objects That Sink in Water
These objects go down to the bottom of the water.
- Stone
- Key
- Coin
- Metal spoon
- Small toy car
- Sponge
Key Words
- Water – The liquid we drink and use for many things.
- Float – To stay on top of the water.
- Sink – To go down to the bottom of the water.
- Tap – Where water comes out in our homes or school.
- Rain – Water that falls from the sky.
Water and Objects Rhyme
Tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”
Lyrics:
Water, water, everywhere,
From the tap and from the air.
River flows and well is deep,
Water helps us clean and keep.
Some things float and some things sink,
What will happen, let us think!
Actions: Point to a tap, point up for rain, make wavy hand motion for river, point down for well. Hold hands flat for float, drop hands for sink, tap head for “think”.
Watch and Explore: Floating and Sinking
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Begin by showing pictures of water sources and asking pupils where they get water from. Discuss each source briefly. Then, introduce the bowl of water and the concept of “float” and “sink” using simple language. Emphasize observation.
What to show or demonstrate: Display charts/pictures of tap, rain, river, well. For floating and sinking, clearly demonstrate with one or two objects first (e.g., a feather floats, a stone sinks). Allow pupils to come forward one by one to place an object in the water.
How to use the rhyme/song: Sing the “Water and Objects Rhyme” together, encouraging pupils to do the actions. Repeat it several times throughout the lesson, especially during the practical activity, to reinforce the concepts.
How to use the video: Introduce the video as a fun way to see more about floating and sinking. Play it and encourage pupils to watch carefully. After watching, ask simple questions about what they saw and what happened to different objects. This will prepare them for their own hands-on exploration.
What to watch for: Observe if pupils can correctly identify water sources from pictures. During the float/sink activity, watch for pupils’ predictions and their ability to describe what happens. Ensure they handle objects gently and avoid splashing.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
- Play-based Learning
- Demonstration
- Guided Practice
- Songs and Rhymes
- Picture Talk
- Question and Answer
- Manipulation of Objects
- Repetition
- Practical Activity
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engagement/Recall
Teacher’s Activity: Greet pupils and sing a simple song about water (e.g., “Water, water, everywhere”). Ask pupils, “What do we use water for?”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils greet the teacher, sing along, and respond by naming uses of water (e.g., drinking, washing, bathing).
Learning Point: Pupils recall the importance of water.
Step 2: Sources of Water
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visual Identification/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: Show pictures/charts of different water sources (tap, rain, river, well, borehole). Ask, “Where does water come from?” and explain each source simply.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils look at the pictures, listen to the explanations, and try to name or point to the water sources as the teacher mentions them.
Learning Point: Pupils identify common sources of water.
Step 3: Introduce Floating and Sinking
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Concept Introduction/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: Bring out the bowl of water. Introduce the terms “float” (stays on top) and “sink” (goes to the bottom) with simple gestures. Play the video on floating and sinking.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the video, listen to the teacher’s explanation, and try to imitate the gestures for float and sink.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the basic concepts of floating and sinking.
Step 4: Floating Demonstration
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Observation/Prediction
Teacher’s Activity: Hold up objects that float (e.g., feather, leaf, small stick). Ask, “What do you think will happen when I put this in the water?” Then, gently place them in the water, one by one, allowing pupils to observe.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils make simple predictions (“It will stay up!”) and observe carefully as the teacher places the objects in the water, confirming they float.
Learning Point: Pupils observe and confirm objects that float.
Step 5: Sinking Demonstration
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Observation/Prediction
Teacher’s Activity: Hold up objects that sink (e.g., stone, key, metal spoon). Ask, “What do you think will happen with this?” Then, gently place them in the water, one by one, allowing pupils to observe.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils make simple predictions (“It will go down!”) and observe carefully as the teacher places the objects in the water, confirming they sink.
Learning Point: Pupils observe and confirm objects that sink.
Step 6: Pupil Practice and Rhyme
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application/Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: Invite pupils, one by one, to choose an object and gently place it in the water, saying “It floats!” or “It sinks!” Sing the “Water and Objects Rhyme” again together.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils take turns placing objects in the water, observing the result, and stating what happens. They sing the rhyme with actions.
Learning Point: Pupils actively practise identifying floating and sinking objects and reinforce learning through song.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 4–5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher checks pupils’ understanding through short questions and practical tasks.
- “Where do we get water from?” (Teacher points to pictures for help).
- “Show me an object that floats.” (Teacher holds up a few objects).
- “Show me an object that sinks.” (Teacher holds up a few objects).
- “What happens when I put this feather in the water?”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally and demonstrate the required skill where appropriate.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summary/Praise
Teacher’s Activity: Recap that water comes from different places and some things float while others sink. Praise pupils for their participation and good observations. Guide them to help tidy up the materials.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the recap, respond to praise, and help put away the objects and water bowl.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and practise tidiness.
Lesson Keywords
- Water – The liquid we drink and use.
- Float – To stay on top of the water.
- Sink – To go down to the bottom of the water.
- Tap – Where water comes out in our homes.
- Rain – Water that falls from the sky.
- River – A large flow of water.
- Well – A deep hole for water.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils who need extra help, use larger, more distinct objects for floating and sinking. Provide hand-over-hand guidance for placing objects in water. Repeat the key vocabulary and actions frequently.
- Extension: Encourage advanced pupils to predict if a new, unfamiliar object will float or sink before testing it. Ask them to name an additional source of water or another object that floats/sinks.
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