This is such a fun fall activity for children to use their brains! You can even add a sensory aspect depending on the sink/float items you choose.

Fall items you can use:

• red and green apples
• mini pumpkins
• acorns
• walnuts
• fake leaves (but you could use real ones, too, of course)
• pine cones
• stones and gems
• craft store rattan balls
• egg carton pieces

To start off the science experiment, have kids think about which items on the tray will float and which items will sink. If you’re doing this activity with multiple children, make a list of who thinks what items will float/sink so you can compare later.

Have children start experimenting! Some might be surprised about their predictions. Ask them why they thought an item would sink/float and help them find the reason why it actually floats/sinks.