Are you looking for a simple, Fall-themed STEM activity to do with your class? This Apple Boats STEM Activity is an easy and fun way for children to test different sizes of apples and materials to see if apples float in water.
Be sure to check out more of our apple learning activities for early childhood!
Getting The Apple Boats STEM Activity Ready:
You will need:
- Apples
- Knife (for adult use only!)
- Toothpicks
- Card Stock or Craft Foam
- Scissors
- Large Plastic Container
- Water
This simple Fall STEM activity requires very little preparation. Simply, cut the apples and card stock or craft foam into different shapes and sizes.
Then, fill the large plastic container will water.
This activity is perfect for a classroom full of children because most of the supplies can already be found in most classrooms. You can ask families to donate apples or even call your local grocery store.
Doing The Apple Boats STEM Activity:
To begin the activity, children will use the apple pieces, toothpicks, and card stock to make boats.
First, they will poke a toothpick through the card stock to create a sail.
Then will then put the toothpick into a piece of apple to make the boat mast.
Next, the children will place their apple boats into the container of water to see and watch to see if their boats will float.
To extend the experiment, have children test different size apples and different size sails. They can also try using different colored apples and materials too. Do green apples float better then red apples? Does a sail made out of card board help keep the boat afloat or make it sink?
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The Science Behind The Apple Boats STEM Activity:
The science behind the experiment is simple. Apples are buoyant because about 25% of their volume is air. That air helps keep the apples from sinking and makes them less dense than water.
This Apple Boats STEM Activity is a simple, hands-on way for children to learn about buoyancy and density.
Your students can record the materials that they used and how they constructed their boats on this Apple Boats STEM Activity record sheet.
You might also like the Apple Bundle!
Download Your Apple Boats STEM Recording Sheet Below!
Can you not find a resource that you would LOVE to have for your classroom? Contact me and I would be happy to make it for you.
Click the picture below to download.
I hope you enjoy this Apple Boats STEM activity! What is your favorite apple themed lesson?
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