Float or Sink: Cut and Paste Worksheet for Preschoolers
This worksheet introduces children ages 3-5 to a basic science concept — that different materials and objects behave differently in water — by having them sort pictures into 'float' and 'sink' categories. Making a prediction and then physically sorting an object reinforces early scientific reasoning, since children must think about an object's properties, like weight or material, before deciding where it belongs. This kind of hands-on categorizing builds observation and classification skills that are foundational to all later science learning.
Part of the pack
Month 9: Multi-Subject Early Learning | Ages 6-7
This is page 23 of the pack. Ages 6-7 · Grade 1Ages 6-7 · Year 2Ages 6-7 · Class 1Ages 6-7
Curriculum
- Earth & Environment > Material Properties
How to use this worksheet
Look at the pictures at the bottom of the page together and name each object aloud. Talk about what the object is made of and how heavy it might be before deciding whether you think it will float or sink. Have your child cut out each picture and glue it into the correct section of the page. Once everything is sorted, review the choices together and, if possible, test a couple of the real objects in a sink or basin of water to check the predictions.
Materials needed
- Scissors
- Glue
- Pencil
Extension activities
- 1Test different objects around the house to see if they float or sink in a sink, bathtub, or basin of water.
- 2Draw pictures of objects that float and objects that sink, adding them to two separate lists.
- 3Experiment with the same object made from different materials, like a paper boat versus a metal spoon.
- 4Predict before testing each item, then check whether the prediction was right, to build the habit of hypothesizing.
Written by
Hemsweta Jain · Teacher Cheena
MBA and Early Childhood Educator, teaching since 2014 · Founder of RaisoActive, Mumbai
Every RaisoActive worksheet is designed and checked by the founder before publishing.
Published · Last reviewed
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