Lesson Planet
Search educational resources
  • Sign In Try It Free
  • AI Teacher Tools
    • Discover Resources Search reviewed educational resources by keyword, subject, grade, type, and more
    • Curriculum Manager (My Content) Manage saved and uploaded resources and folders To Access the Curriculum Manager Sign In or Join Now
    • Browse Resource Directory Browse educational resources by subject and topic
    • Curriculum Calendar Explore curriculum resources by date
    • Lesson Planning Articles Timely and inspiring teaching ideas that you can apply in your classroom
    • Our Story
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Testimonials
    • Contact Us
  • Pricing
  • School Access
    • Your school or district can sign up for Lesson Planet — with no cost to teachers
      Learn More
  • Sign In
  • Try It Free
Sink or Swim? ActivitySink or Swim? Activity
Publisher
PBS
Resource Details
Curator Rating
Educator Rating
Not yet Rated
Grade
3rd - 8th
Subjects
Science
2 more...
Resource Type
Activities & Projects
Audience
For Teacher Use
Duration
45 mins
Instructional Strategies
Collaborative Learning
2 more...
Technology
Video
Internet Access
Year
2020
Usage Permissions
Fine Print
Activity

Sink or Swim?

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Sink or Swim? activity also includes:
  • Sink or Swim (.html)
  • Sink or Swim - Spanish Version (.html)
  • SciGirls Scientific Inquiry Process (.pdf)
  • SciGirls Methods for Effective Groupwork (.pdf)
  • SciGirls STEM Practices (.pdf)
  • National Standards (.pdf)
  • Going Green - Full Episode (.mp4)
  • Going Green - Identify the Problem (.mp4)
  • Going Green - Classify (.mp4)
  • Going Green - Mentor Moment (.mp4)
  • Going Green - Research (.mp4)
  • Going Green - Prototype (.mp4)
  • Going Green - Share (.mp4)
  • Activity
  • Join to access all included materials

What's with all the numbers on plastic products? Learners complete an in-depth analysis of the physical properties of the different plastic types. They connect the properties of the plastics to uses and test their observation skills by attempting to classify a mystery plastic sample.

3 Views 3 Downloads

Concepts

plastic, physical properties, transparency, brittleness, luster, density

Instructional Ideas

  • Have pupils become experts on one type of plastic and present on its properties and uses

Classroom Considerations

  • Allow time to collect and prepare materials for the activity
  • Expects a basic understanding of identifying physical properties

Pros

  • Highlights female professionals who contribute to the field
  • Video support supplements information valuable to the lesson

Cons

  • None

View 46,889 other resources for 3rd - 8th Grade Science

© 1999-2026 Learning Explorer, Inc.
Teacher Lesson Plans, Worksheets and Resources

Sign up for the Lesson Planet Monthly Newsletter

Open Educational Resources (OER)

  • Health
  • Language Arts
  • Languages
  • Math
  • Physical Education
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Special Education
  • Visual and Performing Arts
View All Lesson Plans

Discover Resources

  • Our Review Process
  • How it Works
  • How to Search
  • Create a Collection

Manage Curriculum

  • Edit a Collection
  • Assign to Students
  • Manage My Content
Contact Us Site Map Privacy Policy Terms of Use