Why does a boat float or sink?
Can an orange float in water?
What happens if you change the shape of a piece of modelling material?
And why does moving your hand through water feel different from moving it through air?
 
Dive into a world of hands-on discovery with Floating, Sinking & Splashing Science!, a playful downloadable activity pack designed especially for curious children aged 3–7. Packed with simple investigations, water play challenges, and opportunities for wondering, predicting, testing, and exploring, this resource brings real-world science to life through one of childhood's favourite activities - playing with water!
 
Young learners will investigate which objects float or sink, make predictions and test their ideas, explore surprising floating fruits, experiment with changing shapes and materials, and discover how water pushes back on objects moving through it.
 
They'll also enjoy practical activities involving pouring, measuring, comparing capacities, and developing early mathematical thinking through hands-on play.
 
Along the way, children will be introduced to the fascinating science of buoyancy and water resistance, with age-appropriate explanations for younger learners and optional deeper science notes for older children and curious adults who want to explore the more complex physics behind what they observe.
 
Whether you're filling a bath, setting up a kitchen sink investigation, splashing in a paddling pool, or exploring with a bucket of water in the garden, these activities turn everyday play into meaningful scientific discovery. With prompts for observation, discussion, prediction, and reflection, children are encouraged to think like real scientists while having fun.
 
Perfect for home educators, families, and young explorers who love to ask "What will happen if...?", this activity pack transforms simple water play into exciting opportunities for learning, investigation, and wonder.