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 6-7Curriculum
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
- •Test different objects around the house to see if they float or sink in a sink, bathtub, or basin of water.
- •Draw pictures of objects that float and objects that sink, adding them to two separate lists.
- •Experiment with the same object made from different materials, like a paper boat versus a metal spoon.
- •Predict before testing each item, then check whether the prediction was right, to build the habit of hypothesizing.
Tips for parents and teachers
Encourage children to explain why they think an object floats or sinks, discussing properties of the objects such as size, weight, and material rather than accepting a guess without reasoning. If possible, follow up the worksheet with an actual water test, since seeing a prediction confirmed or corrected in real life cements the science concept far more than the paper activity alone. It's fine if some predictions turn out wrong — that moment of surprise is often the most memorable part of the learning.
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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