### Lesson Plan: Floating Objects
#### Grade Level: Toddlers (Ages 2-4)
#### Duration: 30-45 minutes
#### Subject: Basic Science and Technology
#### Topic: Floating Objects
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#### Objectives:
- To introduce the concept of floating and sinking.
- To encourage curiosity and exploration.
- To develop basic observational and questioning skills.
- To promote fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
#### Materials Needed:
- A clear plastic tub or large bowl filled with water.
- A variety of small objects that float (e.g., rubber duck, plastic toy, cork, sponge, ping pong ball).
- A variety of small objects that sink (e.g., metal spoon, stone, small toy car, key, coin).
- Towels for cleanup.
- Aprons or old shirts to protect clothing.
#### Vocabulary:
- Float
- Sink
- Water
- Heavy
- Light
#### Introduction (5 minutes):
1. **Welcome and Settling:** Gather the toddlers in a circle. Sing a welcome song to get their attention and create a friendly, inviting atmosphere.
2. **Introduction to Topic:** Hold up a rubber duck and ask the children if they know what it is and where it's usually found. Explain that today, they will be experimenting to see which objects float and which objects sink in water.
#### Activity 1: Hands-On Water Play (10-15 minutes):
1. **Setup:** Encourage children to put on aprons/old shirts or roll up their sleeves.
2. **Exploration:** Place the clear plastic tub filled with water in the center where all the children can reach. Have the objects nearby.
3. **Observation:** Show a floating object (e.g., rubber duck) and place it in the water. Ask the children what happened. "Did it stay on top or go to the bottom?" Explain that this is called floating.
4. **Interactive Play:** Let each child pick an object and guess if it will float or sink. Have them place the object in the water and observe what happens.
5. **Discussion:** Guide a short discussion about the objects. Ask questions like, "What do you notice about the objects that float? Are they heavy or light?"
#### Activity 2: Sorting and Categorizing (10 minutes):
1. **Classify Objects:** Have two containers, labeled "Float" and "Sink." Ask the children to help sort the objects based on what they observed during the water play.
2. **Reinforce Vocabulary:** Use the words "float" and "sink" frequently to reinforce vocabulary.
#### Cleanup (5 minutes):
1. **Cleanup Time:** Involve the children in tidying up, drying off the objects, and wiping down the area. Use the opportunity to explain why it's important to clean up.
#### Conclusion (5 minutes):
1. **Review:** Recap what they learned by asking questions about the activity. "Can you tell me what it means to float?" "What did you find out today?"
2. **Goodbye Song:** Sing a goodbye or closing song to end the session on a positive note.
3. **Home Connection:** Suggest a simple follow-up activity for parents to do at home, such as finding more household objects to test if they float or sink during bath time.
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### Assessment:
- **Observation:** Monitor and note the children's engagement and understanding through their participation and responses.
- **Participation:** Ensure each child has had the opportunity to guess, test, and discuss their findings.
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### Adaptations:
- For children with sensory sensitivities, offer the option to observe rather than touch the water.
- Use larger objects if fine motor skills are a challenge.
- Provide visual aids with pictures showing objects that float and sink.
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This lesson plan aims to foster a sense of wonder and curiosity about natural phenomena while promoting early scientific thinking skills among toddlers.