Materials
Small buckets or tubs water salt variety of objects that may sink or float
Instructions
1. This water play activity teaches an important science lesson: salt water is denser ("heavier" or "thicker" are the words children may use) and can suspend a greater weight.
2. Pour plain water in the bucket.
3. Encourage the children to drop in provided objects. Record which float and which sink.
4. Now remove the objects and add one cup of salt.
5. Ask the children to drop in one object at a time. Remember to take time before each item is added to let the children predict what will happen based on the previous trial.
6. After all the items have been dropped in, add more salt and repeat.
7. As an extension to this activity, read a book or discuss going to the beach. This same principle applies to people in water as well it is easier to swim in the ocean than in a swimming pool because of the salt in the water!
