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Practical action website.

Drawing pencils and paper.

Twinkl STEM floating and sinking activity.

A large clear bucket or tub for the STEM activity and class demonstration.

A safe body of water for the students to test their creations.

Recycled plastics and wood - used for the student's creations.

TA support for translating explanations and supporting students with vocabulary.

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1. Class discussion: students observe the teacher placing different objects in a clear tub of water Students have thinking time to discuss whether they think each object will float and why.  10 mins.
2. Peer dialogue: the teacher tells the students the next three objects which will be placed in the water, and the students have to decide whether they will float or sink. Ask students to come up with reasons why.  15 mins.
3. Teaching Input: students undertake a STEM activity to investigate the theory of buoyancy on their own. 45 mins.
4. Visual research: why is it important to learn about floating and sinking? Distribute the photos from the floating garden challenge. https://practicalaction.org/schools/floating-garden-challenge/ Elicit from students what they can see and ask students to put the pictures into two different columns. Elicit from students which countries they know that flood. 15 mins.
5. Introduce Bangladesh - ask students to guess which country we will be looking at. Describe the situation there that the monsoon lasts longer now because of poor climate control. Cover the global goals briefly. 15mins
6. Planning: students draft their first design. Students decide what will the students use to create their craft and think about the sustainability of the materials, whether they are eco-friendly, will they cause problems in the future.  60 mins.
7. Mini-plenary: students discuss their design with the rest of the class. What do they like about each other’s work? What could be improved? Two stars, one wish and peer feedback. 15 mins.
8. Collaboration: as a group, students work on making their design a reality. Students have time to work in their fixed groups to build the floating garden that their team has already designed. 60 mins.
9. Test stage: take the students to a body of water. Make it a competition to see whose floating garden lasts the longest. Invite parents to witness the tests, and hear explanations from the students as to why it is important. 30 minutes.
10. Pair Reflection: which designs worked best? Could we use more sustainable materials? 10 mins.
EXT task - teach children how to grow a cress garden and turn the project into a reality over the course of a term.
TOTAL 4 and a half hours of learning time.

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How is this Floating and Sinking PowerPoint useful for KS1?

Children will be making a splash through this lesson, exploring items that are floating or sinking with their ks1 class.

You can use this floating and sinking (ks1) PowerPoint in your Science lessons to make investigations that are engaging for KS1 children learning the basic principles of physics.

One of the items included in the PowerPoint will become the centre of the investigation as it somehow transforms into an item that does the opposite of what is expected! Find that intriguing? Check out this fantastic PowerPoint resource to find out for yourself.

Also included in this amazing activity-based PowerPoint you can learn about the impact of density, shape and surface tension on floating and sinking and there is a shortlist of items that you will need to fulfil all of your experimenting needs!

A lolly stick, bouncy ball, marble, cork, a sponge, marble, stone

A large container to hold water

Tissue paper

metal pins or paper clips

Washing up liquid

Cotton Buds

(optional) magnet

This worksheet is useful for collecting data when conducting 'float or sink?' experiments.

Learn all about floating and sinking with this Why do things float? teaching wiki.

More resources on floating and sinking ks1

If you would like more resources to develop your floating and sinking Science investigations as well as this PowerPoint, we have a resource pack available which includes worksheets and posters that KS1 children can use to further enhance their knowledge. And why not check out our other science experiments and resources that will spark the curiosity and minds of your KS1 classes
How to Grow a Rainbow Experiment Science Activity
KS1 Fruity Sweets Colour Mixing Science Experiment

How to help children understand floating and sinking

A great way to help children understand the concept of floating and sinking is to conduct a number of activities so they can see which objects rise to the top.

The PowerPoint is jampacked full of activities that you can complete either in the classroom or at home with children.

They include using objects such as wood, paper, stone, a metal pin and feather to see which ones hit the bottom or rise to the top.

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Children will be making a splash through this lesson, exploring items that are floating or sinking with their ks1 class. You can use this floating and sinking (ks1) PowerPoint in your Science lessons to make investigations that are engaging for KS1 children learning the basic principles of physics.

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Knowledge:

What the difference is between sinking and floating, and which materials are most buoyant?

How climate change is impacting selected countries that could spread to urban China.

How science can be used to combat the issues faced by rapidly changing climate change - preparing students for the future.

Skills:

How to undertake basic visual research through the use of images.

How to translate a drawn design into a working model.

How to work collaboratively within a project.

How to create a cress garden.

Values:

To develop a global perspective and awareness of the impacts of climate change and our interconnectedness.

To develop a deeper understanding of the various climate issues facing our generation of learners.

To reflect upon ways of living that reduce the impact of climate change and promote climate justice.

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Please click here if you are not redirected within a few seconds.

Do any floating gardens still exist?

What grows on floating gardens?

How do floating gardens work?

Jun 25, 2020 · Angharad Pass, from Practical Action, introduces an activity called The Floating Garden ...
Duration: 6:00
Posted: Jun 25, 2020

Dec 12, 2019 · STEM Challenge Grade 4 - Floating Garden ... Robotic Hand Science Project | Simple Paper ...
Duration: 16:05
Posted: Dec 12, 2019

Washington DC (Hagerstown MD), Virginia

From your IP address - Learn more

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Please click here if you are not redirected within a few seconds. Do any floating gardens still exist? What grows on floating gardens? How do floating gardens work? Jun 25, 2020 · Angharad Pass, from Practical Action, introduces an activity called The Floating Garden ...Duration: 6:00 Posted: Jun 25, 2020 Dec 12, 2019 · STEM Challenge Grade 4 - Floating Garden ...

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The impact of climate change on Pakistan - British Red Cross report on flooding

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The impact of climate change on Pakistan - British Red Cross report on flooding

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﻿

Deadly floods in Pakistan have killed over 1,700 people. The Pakistan Floods Appeal is now live

Last updated 6th December 2022
Around 33 million people in Pakistan - or 1 in 7 people in the country - have been impacted by the devastating floods that hit the country over the summer.

For context, that's the equivalent of almost half the population of the UK.

Families have lost their homes, livelihoods, and in some cases loved ones. You can donate to the Pakistan Floods Appeal now.
DONATE TO THE PAKISTAN FLOODS APPEAL

What has happened in Pakistan?

The record-breaking floods have killed over 1,700 people and 1.2 million livestock. Over 7.9 million people are now displaced.

The impact is unimaginable. Livelihoods have been destroyed after two months of continuous rainfall, and people are in need of shelter, food, clean water, and toilet facilities.

The water in some areas of the country has receded, but it's estimated that 25 per cent of the country is still under water.

Watch: Alexander Matheou's updates from Pakistan

The IFRC's Alexander Matheou sends an update from Pakistan, where floods have devastated communities.

DONATE NOW

What is the Red Cross doing to help people in Pakistan?

In one of its biggest relief operations ever, the Pakistan Red Crescent mobilised in July, and has since reached 580,000 people with emergency life-saving assistance. They are continuing to work closely with the wider movement, as well as national and local authorities.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement has been able to get vital support to those in need, focusing on urgent necessities such as food, water, and shelter.

So far, the Red Cross Red Crescent has delivered critical relief, including:

Over 21,300 tents distributed to over 149,000 people, providing temporary shelter for those who have lost their homes and livelihoods

Over 283,800 people have been given critical relief items, including 26,500 food parcels, 33,300 mosquito nets and over 34,700 hygiene kits

11 water treatment plants have been distributed, providing 187,000 litres of safe drinking water to 37,400 people each day

Over 73,000 people have been provided with critical health care through 13 medical health units, 17 medical sites, and continued first aid support.

With the increased risk of waterborne diseases, Red Cross teams are also on hand with free medicines and treatment for diseases like cholera and diarrhoea.

In the Sindh province alone, one of the hardest hit by the floods, over 134,000 cases of diarrhoea have been reported, and hundreds of people have been admitted to hospital with dengue.

What will my donation to the Pakistan Floods Appeal do?

Your gift will help teams reach people in the affected areas:

£20 could help to provide a hygiene kit to one family that includes things like toothbrushes, soap and toilet paper

£40 could help to provide ten families with a jerry can so that they can store clean water for drinking and cooking

£65 could help to provide one household with financial support so they can meet their basic needs like buying food and clean drinking water

£100 could help to provide a family of seven with a winterisation kit to protect them this winter

DONATE TO THE PAKISTAN FLOODS APPEAL

What are the impacts of climate change in Pakistan?

The fingerprints of climate change are present in these unprecedented floods.

Though areas of Pakistan expect rain in the summer months, the country saw continuous rainfall for two months.

In April, Pakistan also experienced a different extreme: record-breaking heat, with temperatures reaching over 40 degrees Celsius.

On one day, the country recorded one of the highest ever temperatures - 49 degrees Celsius.

Higher temperatures means glaciers melt faster in the Himalayas and Hindu Kush region, which feed the Indus river.

These temperatures have also made it harder for flood water to be absorbed into the baked hard ground.

The 2022 monsoon rainfall in Pakistan is nearly three times higher than the 30-year average and rains and consequent flash floods continued throughout July and August. It will take months for the water to subside.

Extreme weather events are happening more frequently all over the world, putting more and more people in danger. Read more about our work in climate change.

Pakistan floods 2022: the most affected areas

How is the Pakistan Floods Appeal helping people in Pakistan?

The Red Cross has been on the ground providing life-saving aid either directly, or through local partners. But they urgently need funds to reach more people.

The Pakistan Floods Appeal is helping to provide much-needed shelter, emergency cash aid, health and care including safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene support.

As we look to the future, there is also a real risk that more than 8.6 million people could face high levels of hunger. As well as 1.2 million livestock, large volumes of agricultural land were lost to the floods, meaning that food supplies in the country have dropped significantly. As a result, Pakistan is having to become increasingly reliant on imports, and food prices are rapidly increasing.

Appeal funds could also be used for longer term support to help people recover lost livelihoods and rebuild their lives.

While the situation is still desperate, thanks to our generous supporters, the Red Cross has been able to provide the immediate help people need - while also planning for the future. Your kindness has played a vital part in supporting communities and will continue to be crucial in the weeks and months ahead.

Pakistan Floods Appeal

Over 500 staff at the Pakistan Red Crescent are providing essential support, with help from a roster of over 3,000 volunteers. Your gift will help teams to reach people in the most affected areas.

DONATE NOW

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Climate change in Pakistan and devastating floods: latest news

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﻿ Deadly floods in Pakistan have killed over 1,700 people. The Pakistan Floods Appeal is now live Last updated 6th December 2022 Around 33 million people in Pakistan - or 1 in 7 people in the country - have been impacted by the devastating floods that hit the country over the summer.

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A group of 14 mixed-ability Grade 4 pupils learning in an International school in China. They are mainly Chinese nationals with varying levels of English ability (pre A1-high B1).

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A group of 14 mixed-ability Grade 4 pupils learning in an International school in China. They are mainly Chinese nationals with varying levels of English ability (pre A1-high B1).

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This group finds learning through practical craft-based activity engaging, whilst they need considerable support for explanations/descriptions in English.  They touched upon natural disasters in their first unit of learning, covering tsunamis, earthquakes and hurricanes. This scheme of learning will enable pupils to explore the interface between cultural heritage, climate change and Science and Design & Technology. It will also develop their awareness of collaborative, contemporary D&T practice that engages with current social issues.

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Subject: Science and D&T
Focus group: Grade 4 (class of 14)
LO: To enable pupils to understand the problems of flooding and how they can use science to create floating gardens.
Overall idea: Pupils undertake visual research, learning about how flooding has impacted selected countries that relate to the cultural experience of pupils.  They have a hands-on experiment to understand the difference between sinking and floating and spark discussion on which materials float better. They have some input on International understanding about which countries and areas are more likely to suffer from flooding. Finally, they work in small groups to design their own floating garden, build the garden and finally test it in a small body of water.

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Display the floating gardens in the classroom (with or without cress gardens)

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Display the floating gardens in the classroom (with or without cress gardens)

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Teaching through a wide variety of pedagogies 

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Teaching through a wide variety of pedagogies 

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Whole class discussion - dialogic teaching

Peer to peer dialogue

Research methodologies - critical pedagogy

Positive engagement with and understanding of diverse heritages - anti-racist pedagogy

Live modelling supported by video

Opportunities for purposeful practice

Collaborative work - negotiation and discussion

Empowering student voice - critical pedagogy - enabling learners to "own" their learning and present it to their peers

Encouraging metacognition - clarity around learning of knowledge, skills and values ensures frequent opportunities for students to reflect upon learning

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Nanjing - urban setting with limited grounds. 7 boys, 7 girls with 1 pupil with SEND.

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Nanjing - urban setting with limited grounds. 7 boys, 7 girls with 1 pupil with SEND.

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Key inspiration - flooding is a worldwide problem and can happen anytime. Our school lies along the Yangtze River, the third-longest in the world. It is important for students to understand the cause and effect of flooding and be prepared to respond in the case of an emergency.

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Key inspiration - flooding is a worldwide problem and can happen anytime. Our school lies along the Yangtze River, the third-longest in the world. It is important for students to understand the cause and effect of flooding and be prepared to respond in the case of an emergency.

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BEIJING, June 21 (Reuters) - Two provinces in south China upgraded flood warnings on Tuesday as rivers overflowed their banks and waters reached record levels, forcing people from their homes and disrupting work after weeks of pounding rain, state media reported.

Guangdong province's Shaoguan city, where average rainfall since late May has broken records, raised its flood alert to the highest, Level 1.

Authorities asked residents of communities along river banks and in low-lying neighbourhoods to move to higher ground, after floodwaters hit a 50-year high, state television reported.

The city's flood, drought and wind control headquarters said shutdowns may be enforced at construction sites, businesses, public transport and docks while workers unable to show up at work should not be forced to do so.

The peak discharge of the swollen Beijiang River near Guangdong's capital Guangzhou is expected to reach 20,000 cubic metres per second, a flow of a size that probably occurs "once every 100 years," the local water conservancy bureau told Chinese media.

The flood alert for Beijiang River had been raised to Level I, the highest, at 10 p.m. local time, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

Guangdong's Qingyuan city, near Shaoguan, also raised its flood alert to the highest level at around noon as the waters rose.

In Jiangxi province to the northeast, authorities raised a flood "red alert" after 485,000 people in nine districts were affected, Xinhua news agency said. It did not elaborate.

Economic losses reached 470 million yuan ($70.21 million), with 43,300 hectares of crops destroyed, Xinhua reported.

The summer rainy season brings floods to China almost every year but environmental groups say climate change can bring heavier and more frequent downpours.

There is also the risk that the effect of the disruption floods bring in China can be felt further afield as Chinese goods become more important in global supply chains.

This spell of heavy rain across southern provinces was expected to peak on Tuesday and it was then forecast to shift northward from Wednesday.

Regions north of the Yangtze River have been experiencing searing heat, pushing up power consumption the past weekend. read more

China's Central Meteorological Observatory maintained a high temperature "orange warning" for northern areas such as central and southern Hebei, most of Beijing and parts of Shandong, Tianjin and Henan.

($1 = 6.6941 Chinese yuan renminbi)

Reporting by Beijing Newsroom and Liz Lee in Kuala Lumpur; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan, Robert Birsel, William Maclean and Mark Porter

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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South China provinces raise alerts over historic flooding

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BEIJING, June 21 (Reuters) - Two provinces in south China upgraded flood warnings on Tuesday as rivers overflowed their banks and waters reached record levels, forcing people from their homes and disrupting work after weeks of pounding rain, state media reported.

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Welcome to our Floating garden challenge, a great activity for all children learning at home or at school.

Learn about the difficulty that farmers in Bangladesh and the UK experience trying to grow crops on land that is regularly flooded. Take up the challenge to make a model of a floating structure/garden that farmers can grow their crops on.

Testing if the 'garden' floats in a washing up bowl, bath or garden pond is great fun!

This challenge is perfect to reinforce a lesson on forces (floating and sinking), or as a STEM club, transition or British Science Week activity. It is accredited for the CREST award scheme and can be used as a project for the Big Bang Competition.

Materials include;

Guides for teacher and/or parents

Activity sheets

PowerPoint with notes

Certificates of completion

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Stay updated on the big issues and how our innovative work is helping people to tackled some of the world's toughest challenges.

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Welcome to our Floating garden challenge, a great activity for all children learning at home or at school. Learn about the difficulty that farmers in Bangladesh and the UK experience trying to grow crops on land that is regularly flooded. Take up the challenge to make a model of a floating structure/garden that farmers can [...]

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How is this Floating and Sinking PowerPoint useful for KS1?

Children will be making a splash through this lesson, exploring items that are floating or sinking with their ks1 class.

You can use this floating and sinking (ks1) PowerPoint in your Science lessons to make investigations that are engaging for KS1 children learning the basic principles of physics.

One of the items included in the PowerPoint will become the centre of the investigation as it somehow transforms into an item that does the opposite of what is expected! Find that intriguing? Check out this fantastic PowerPoint resource to find out for yourself.

Also included in this amazing activity-based PowerPoint you can learn about the impact of density, shape and surface tension on floating and sinking and there is a shortlist of items that you will need to fulfil all of your experimenting needs!

A lolly stick, bouncy ball, marble, cork, a sponge, marble, stone

A large container to hold water

Tissue paper

metal pins or paper clips

Washing up liquid

Cotton Buds

(optional) magnet

This worksheet is useful for collecting data when conducting 'float or sink?' experiments.

Learn all about floating and sinking with this Why do things float? teaching wiki.

More resources on floating and sinking ks1

If you would like more resources to develop your floating and sinking Science investigations as well as this PowerPoint, we have a resource pack available which includes worksheets and posters that KS1 children can use to further enhance their knowledge. And why not check out our other science experiments and resources that will spark the curiosity and minds of your KS1 classes
How to Grow a Rainbow Experiment Science Activity
KS1 Fruity Sweets Colour Mixing Science Experiment

How to help children understand floating and sinking

A great way to help children understand the concept of floating and sinking is to conduct a number of activities so they can see which objects rise to the top.

The PowerPoint is jampacked full of activities that you can complete either in the classroom or at home with children.

They include using objects such as wood, paper, stone, a metal pin and feather to see which ones hit the bottom or rise to the top.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Children will be making a splash through this lesson, exploring items that are floating or sinking with their ks1 class. You can use this floating and sinking (ks1) PowerPoint in your Science lessons to make investigations that are engaging for KS1 children learning the basic principles of physics.

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Large bucket used for the class demonstration of floating and sinking.

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Large bucket used for the class demonstration of floating and sinking.

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A safe body of water for children to test their creations.

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A safe body of water for children to test their creations.

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Recycled plastics and wood for creating the garden.

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Recycled plastics and wood for creating the garden.