Activity: Snappy Science – Freshwater & Saltwater – Early Learning

Quick summary: This activity is designed to encourage children to investigate whether the objects sink or float in fresh water and saltwater. Children will discover that saltwater is denser than freshwater so objects float more easily in it, and they will observe that saltwater sinks when added to freshwater. Older children will also be introduced to a simple three-part structure for scientific inquiry: making predictions, observing results and thinking of possible explanations.  

This activity is designed to help connect children to the wonders of the natural world through sensory and play-based learning.

EYLF Learning Outcome	Elaborations
Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity	2. Children develop their emerging autonomy, interdependence, resilience and sense of agency
Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world	3. Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment
Outcome 4 Children are involved and confident learners	1. Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity 2. Children develop a range of skills and processes such as problem solving, enquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating 3. Children resource their own learning through connecting with people, place, technologies, and natural and processed materials
Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators	1. Children interact verbally and non verbally with others for a range of purposes 3. Children express ideas and make meaning using a range of media 5. Children use information and communication technologies to access information, investigate ideas and represent their thinking

 

Resources required: 

• Collection of jars or clear containers (you will need 2 jars per small group or pair)
• Tap water
• Table salt
• Measuring cups
• Large spoon for stirring salt into water
• Food colouring
• An eye-dropper
• A variety of objects of a similar size but different weights. For example: a tennis ball and cricket ball; a ball and a balloon, a plastic block and a wooden block.
• A range of floating objects. These could include: plastic balls, pencils, plastic bottle tops, old film canisters, paper clips, ice-cream sticks, leaves, twigs, string, small bars of soap, ping-pong balls or whatever other materials you have available.  

Supporting resources:

• Science in early childhood
• Science in the early years
• 10 Tips to Support Children’s Science Learning
• Little Scientists

 

The team at Cool Australia continually reviews and refines our Early Learning resources in line with expert advice and current educational practices.