Teaching article
Floating predictions are ideas that can be revised
Compare an initial idea with observations of safe large objects in a shallow tray.
A shallow-tray demonstration can challenge a size-based rule when a large hollow object floats and a smaller solid one sinks. Ask children what the result changes in their explanation, rather than tallying correct guesses.
A large hollow object may float while a smaller solid object sinks.
Keep the revised reason alongside the observation
- Predict each outcome.
- Place objects gently.
- Revise explanations.
Ask learners to explain a revised prediction after each observation. The aim is to examine evidence, not reward a lucky first guess.
Size alone is not a complete explanation.
Which result challenged the prediction? Use prepared photographs.
Resources
- Reflection Journal Template — Record the setup, observations and a follow-up question; add a purpose-made diagram for this investigation.
Further reading
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