Can a boat really float? Let’s find out — just like Little Bear! 🐻💧
Inspired by the story Little Bear’s Little Boat, this sink or float experiment brings science to life through hands-on water play and pretend storytelling. It’s a simple way to introduce your toddler to early STEM skills like predicting, observing, and sorting — all while having fun with a beloved character. Whether you’re doing this as part of our fall homeschool curriculum or just looking for an easy water activity, this one is always a hit!
🐻 What Floats, Little Bear?
Sink or float is one of the best early science activities for toddlers — and when you pair it with a favorite story like Little Bear’s Little Boat, it becomes even more engaging and memorable.
This simple experiment encourages children to make predictions, observe what happens, and practice early STEM thinking… all while playing in water.
🎥 Watch US SET UP & PLAY!
🧠 What Your Child Is Learning:
- Scientific thinking: Predicting, testing, observing
- Cause and effect: What sinks vs. what floats
- Language development: Describing textures, weights, and results
- Connection to stories: Extending learning through narrative play
🛒 What You’ll Need:
- Large container, sensory bin, or bucket of water
- A variety of objects (some that float, some that sink):
➤ Toy boat, rubber duck, spoon, block, apple slice, rock, feather, leaf - Towel or tray for drying items
- Optional: Picture of Little Bear or a small teddy bear
🧪 How to Do It:
- Set the stage
Start by watching the Little Bear video or reading Little Bear’s Little Boat. - Make predictions
Lay out the objects and ask: “Do you think this will float or sink?” - Test each object
Place one item at a time into the water and observe together. - Talk about the results
Use simple words: “It stayed up!” or “It went to the bottom!” - Retest favorites
Let your child experiment freely or create a story with the objects.
💬 Conversation Starters:
- “Do you think Little Bear’s boat will float?”
- “Why do you think the block sank?”
- “What’s heavier — this rock or this sponge?”
- “Let’s try again! What else can we test?”
🔁 Extend the Play:
- Make your own boat with foil, cork, or leaves and test it
- Freeze a few items in ice cubes and see what happens
- Sort items into “float” and “sink” piles after testing
📚 Pair This Activity With:
- Little Bear’s Little Boat (for story tie-in)
- Float Your Own Boat STEM invitation
- Water play or bubble bin for free exploration