Does it float or sink?

Amina, today we had a science experiment and we tested which items would float or sink. We
set up a large blue container of water and had objects including a rubber duck, a plastic egg, a
rock, a cotton wool, an inflated balloon. We used a whiteboard out to record our findings.
We began the experiment by predicting what objects would float and sink. In our discussion, I
asked the class What do you think will happen to the balloon?. The whole class predicted
that the balloon would float and when we discussed the reasons of why the balloon would
float, Amina you were the first to respond by saying I know, because it is light, MashaAllah
Amina! We agreed that it would float because it is light.
After testing out all the objects, the class was then asked to choose an item in the classroom
that they would like to test in the water. Your choice of item was a shell. When I asked for
your prediction of whether the shell would float or sink, and why, you responded with It
would sink because it is heavy. MashaAllah! I was impressed with your answer because you
were able to grasp the understanding of cause and effect very quickly.
Amina, while we were busy understanding what causes an object to float or sinks, you
were predicting what might happen through testing, therefore developing your own
working theories. You displayed great concentration, focus, curiosity and engagement.
Perhaps next time we can carry out more scientific experiments that encourage you to
develop your own working theory.

Mahirah

April 2016