Lesson Plan #: AELP-SCI0001

Backpack Science "Sink Or Float"

An Educator's Reference Desk Lesson Plan

Submitted by: Wilma Jean Lunt, Parkview Elementary,Lamar, CO
Endorsed by: These lesson plans are the result of the work of the teachers who have attended the Columbia Education Center's Summer Workshop. CEC is a consortium of teacher from 14 western states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural, western, United States, and particularly the quality of math and science Education. CEC uses Big Sky Telegraph as the hub of their telecommunications network that allows the participating teachers to stay in contact with their trainers and peers that they have met at the Workshops.

Date: May 1994

Grade Level(s): 2

Subject(s):

OVERVIEW: Through the use of backpacks, students will be able to check out a book with a science related hands on activity. The story will be recorded along with the activities involved with sink or float. Backpacks are made for each of the units at the second grade level.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the backpacks is to give students more opportunity for hands on activities in science and to involve the parents in science.

OBJECTIVE(s): Students will be able to:

  1. Indicate three objects that sink
  2. Indicate three objects that float

RESOURCES:

  1. ^Floating and Sinking^, Branley, Franklyn M., (Cromwell, 1967).
  2. MEC software "Archimedes"
  3. ^Science in the Bathtub^, Marcus, Rebecca B., (Franklin Watts, 1961).

ACTIVITIES:

  1. Listen to story about sink or float that has been recorded.
  2. With the objects that have been placed in the backpack predict which ones will sink and which ones will float.
  3. Fill small tub with water and test which objects sink or float.
  4. Record in science journal which objects sink or float.

TYING IT ALL TOGETHER: Backpacks have become a popular item to check out from the library. It has been an excellent way to involve parents with the science activities.