Sink or float is one of the most popular classic science experiments for kids. It’s so easy to set up, and a great way to introduce them to basic experiments at home. This fun twist on the classic experiment uses surprise eggs to add another element of fun to the activity.
This sink or float surprise egg STEM activity was part of our #NickJrBlaze Twitter party. We’ve been trying out the new range of Blaze and the Monster Machines toys from Fisher Price, click the link to find out more about them.
For this surprise egg sink or float experiment you will need:
- Bucket, filled with water.
- Fillable plastic eggs (you can buy from craft stores)
- A selection of small items of different weights.
- Paper to note down guesses, and results.
It can also be handy to have a towel in case of water spillages.
For the surprise egg filler items, we used:
- Cork
- Small rocks
- Polystyrene ball
- Buttons
- Paper clips
- Plasticine
Fill each egg with a different type of items, and have the kids pick up and shake each one before dropping it into the water. They can guess what’s inside, and whether they think it will sink or float.
Once they’ve dropped it in, it’s time to see if they were right and find out what’s inside. They can note the answers down on paper too, to see what conclusions they can come to afterwards.
We found that with the items being inside the surprise eggs, they can take slightly longer to sink than normal so at first the kids were shocked thinking that the heavy item was still going to float! But give it a couple of seconds, and they will sink as expected. Then the children commented about how the eggs were helping to keep the objects afloat.
To extend the activity, you can gather even more items and fill the surprise eggs with them to see what else will sink and float.
More Blaze inspired STEM activities
Measuring Vehicles Distances, STEM activity inspired by Blaze and the Monster Machines
More Preschool Science Ideas
British Science Week with Learning Resources
Fun Science For Kindergarten With Water
Coffee Filter Process Art Science Activity : Exploring Absorption
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
I like this sink or float activity! We’ve done it just with the usual fruit and veg items. But putting things inside the egg containers makes it different. Now, if only I could find enough of these containers to do this experiment. 🙂
Fantastic fun!
I absolutely love this idea! We do sink and float activities a lot but my daughter seemed to get a little bored with them. I know this will spice it up and be more stimulating for her! I’m so excited to try it! Thank you!