Floating and Sinking: Will It Float? — Answers
Answer sheet with model answers and success criteria for the Year 1 states of matter & materials worksheet.
Success TutoringWorksheetsAnswer sheetYear 1 · Science · States of Matter & MaterialsFloating and Sinking: Will It Float? — Answers
Part A: Float or sink?
Read the box. Then circle the best answer.
Some things float. They stay on top of the water.
Some things sink. They drop to the bottom.
Big things do not always sink. A big log floats. A small coin sinks.
- Aa rock
- Ba coin
- Ca cork
- Da key
Answer: a cork
A cork is very light for its size, so it floats on top of the water.
- Aa metal spoon
- Ba leaf
- Ca plastic duck
- Da feather
Answer: a metal spoon
A metal spoon is heavy for its size, so it sinks to the bottom.
- AIt sinks.
- BIt floats.
- CIt melts.
- DIt flies.
Answer: It floats.
Wood floats, even a big log. Big things do not always sink.
Part B: True or false?
Write True or False.
Answer: False
A big log and a big ship both float. Size alone does not decide.
Answer: True
Changing the shape can help something float.
Answer: True
The bottle is full of air, so it floats.
Part C: Fill the gap
Use the words float or sink.
Answer: float
Answer: sink
Part D: Working scientifically: float or sink test
With a grown-up, fill a tub with water. Test a cork, a spoon, an apple, a leaf and a toy. Guess first, then test.
Answer: Any prediction, e.g. I thought the apple would sink.
Model answer: The apple floated. My guess was wrong. I thought it would sink.
Success criteria:
- Says whether the object floated or sank
- Compares the result with the guess
Marking tips
- Give credit for correct method even when the final answer slips — the working shows where the thinking went right.
- For open-ended tasks, use the success criteria as a checklist rather than looking for one "right" answer.
- Celebrate what went well first, then pick one thing to work on next.
Great work. Here's what to try next: