TOPIC: OBJECTS THAT FLOAT IN WATER
A: TEACHING AND LEARNING
MATERIALS
- Bowl of water.
- Piece of dry wood.
- Cork.
- Plastic bottle cap.
- Leaf.
- Small plastic toy.
- Spoon.
- Observation chart.
- Pupils’ writing materials.
B: REFERENCE MATERIALS
- Scheme of work.
- Recommended Basic Science textbook for Primary 2.
- Online educational resources.
C: PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE
The pupils have learnt about water, its sources, uses and qualities.
They have also learnt that some objects can float in air.
D: PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Explain the meaning of floating in water.
- Identify objects that float in water.
- Mention examples of floating objects.
- Carry out a simple floating experiment.
- Record simple observations.
- State safety rules during water experiments.
E: CONTENT
Meaning of Floating in Water
An object floats when it stays on or near the
surface of water instead of going to the bottom. For example: 💧 + 🍃 =
a leaf may float on water.
Objects That May Float
Examples include:
- Dry wood. 🪵
- Cork.
- Leaf. 🍃
- Empty plastic bottle.
- Plastic bottle cap.
- Some light plastic toys.
Simple Floating Experiment
Materials:
- Bowl of water.
- Dry leaf.
- Cork.
- Plastic cap.
- Piece of wood.
Steps:
- Put water in a bowl.
- Place one object gently on the water.
- Watch what happens.
- Repeat with the other objects.
If the object stays on the surface, it floats.
Why We Observe Carefully
Not every object of the same material behaves exactly the same way.
Its shape and whether it contains air can also affect whether it
floats.
Safety Rules
- Do not drink water used for experiments.
- Do not splash water on others.
- Keep the floor dry.
- Handle containers carefully.
- Follow the teacher’s instructions.
F: LESSON PRESENTATION
F1: Teachers’ Activities
- Introduces the meaning of floating.
- Shows different objects.
- Places objects in water one after another.
- Guides pupils to observe which objects float.
- Records results on the board.
- Explains safety rules.
F2: Pupils’ Activities
- Observe the experiment.
- Predict whether objects will float.
- Identify floating objects.
- Mention other objects that may float.
- Record simple observations.
- Follow safety rules.
G: CONCLUSION
The teacher reminds pupils that an object floats when it stays on or
near the surface of water. Pupils are encouraged to observe floating
objects safely under adult supervision.
H: EVALUATION GUIDE
Pupils should be able to answer the following questions:
- What does it mean for an object to float?
- Mention three objects that may float in water.
- Does a dry leaf usually float?
- What happens to an object that floats?
- Mention two safety rules during a water experiment.
- Name one plastic object that may float.