Making Predictions

Active learning works well for making predictions because pupils need to test their ideas with real objects and see immediate outcomes. When children handle materials, discuss outcomes, and compare predictions to results, they build confidence in using evidence to support their thinking.

• Year 2
• Science
• 4 activities
• 20 min–35 min

Learning Objectives

1. Compare the sinking and floating behavior of different objects in water based on their properties.
2. Explain how an object's material, shape, or size might influence whether it sinks or floats.
3. Evaluate the accuracy of a prediction by comparing it to the observed experimental outcome.
4. Justify a prediction using prior knowledge about objects and their interaction with water.

Inquiry Circle

⏱ 35 min·Small Groups

Sink or Float Prediction Charts: Group Testing

Provide small groups with 8-10 objects like corks, coins, and sponges. Pupils predict sink or float on individual charts, write one-sentence justifications from prior knowledge, then test in shared water trays. Groups share one surprise result with the class.

Prepare & details

Predict the outcome of dropping different objects into water.

Facilitation Tip: During Sink or Float Prediction Charts, circulate while groups work to prompt them to explain their predictions using what they know about the objects' features.

Setup: Groups at tables with access to source materials

Materials: Source material collection, Inquiry cycle worksheet, Question generation protocol, Findings presentation template

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Inquiry Circle

⏱ 25 min·Whole Class

Whole Class Prediction Poll: Loaded Boats

Display images of paper boats. Pupils vote with hands or sticky dots on whether adding coins makes them sink, sharing quick reasons. Test a real boat step-by-step, updating a class prediction tally after each coin.

Prepare & details

Justify your prediction using what you already know.

Facilitation Tip: Before Whole Class Prediction Poll, model how to vote by placing your own prediction on the board so pupils understand the process.

Setup: Groups at tables with access to source materials

Materials: Source material collection, Inquiry cycle worksheet, Question generation protocol, Findings presentation template

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Inquiry Circle

⏱ 30 min·Pairs

Pairs: Ramp Roll Predictions

Pairs select toy cars and predict which rolls farthest down a ramp based on size or wheels, noting reasons. Release cars one by one, measure distances with rulers, and compare to predictions on a paired recording sheet.

Prepare & details

Compare your prediction with the actual result of an experiment.

Facilitation Tip: While Pairs do Ramp Roll Predictions, remind students to check the starting line and release method to keep the test fair.

Setup: Groups at tables with access to source materials

Materials: Source material collection, Inquiry cycle worksheet, Question generation protocol, Findings presentation template

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Inquiry Circle

⏱ 20 min·Individual

Individual Prediction Journals: Shadow Sizes

Pupils individually predict how shadow length changes with torch distance from an object, sketch expectations. Test at three distances, draw actual shadows, and note matches or changes in journals for later class share.

Prepare & details

Predict the outcome of dropping different objects into water.

Facilitation Tip: For Individual Prediction Journals on Shadow Sizes, provide a template with a drawing space and guided sentence starters to support recording.

Setup: Groups at tables with access to source materials

Materials: Source material collection, Inquiry cycle worksheet, Question generation protocol, Findings presentation template

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Teaching This Topic

Teach prediction as a skill by modeling your own thinking aloud before activities. Use phrases like, 'I think the apple will float because it feels light and has spaces inside.' Avoid rushing pupils to correct predictions; instead, ask, 'What did we learn from this test?' to reinforce that predictions help us learn, not just prove right or wrong. Research shows that children’s predictions improve when they discuss ideas with peers before testing.

What to Expect

Successful learning looks like pupils justifying predictions with reasons, testing ideas clearly, and adjusting their understanding when results differ from expectations. By the end of the activities, they should explain why some objects sink or float using observable properties like weight, shape, or material.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

During Sink or Float Prediction Charts, watch for pupils who make predictions without reasons or who guess randomly.

What to Teach Instead

Ask each group to explain their prediction before testing, using questions like, 'What have you seen before that makes you think this will sink or float?' Ensure their reasoning links to observable properties of the objects.

Common Misconception

During Whole Class Prediction Poll: Loaded Boats, watch for pupils who believe a boat will sink just because it looks heavy or floats because it looks light.

What to Teach Instead

Display the poll results and ask, 'What surprised us? Why did the metal boat float when the metal washer sank?' Encourage pupils to compare shape and air pockets in their boats to the solid washer.

Common Misconception

During Individual Prediction Journals: Shadow Sizes, watch for pupils who think predictions are 'wrong' if they don’t match the outcome.

What to Teach Instead

Guide pupils to record both their initial prediction and the actual result, then write one sentence about what they learned. Use phrases like, 'My prediction was not correct, but now I know...' to normalize adjustment in thinking.

Assessment Ideas

Quick Check

During Sink or Float Prediction Charts, show students a new object like a sponge. Ask, 'What is your prediction: will this sink or float? Why do you think so?' Record answers on a chart to check their reasoning.

Exit Ticket

After Pairs: Ramp Roll Predictions, give each student a slip of paper. Ask them to draw one object they tested, write 'sink' or 'float,' and one sentence comparing their initial prediction to the actual result.

Discussion Prompt

After Whole Class Prediction Poll: Loaded Boats, ask the class, 'Which boats surprised you? Why? Did your prediction match the result? What did you learn about why some boats float and others sink?'

Extensions & Scaffolding

• Challenge students who finish early to predict and test objects made from mixed materials, like a plastic-covered book.
• Scaffolding for struggling pupils: Provide a word bank with terms like 'light,' 'heavy,' 'hollow,' and 'solid' to help them describe their predictions.
• Deeper exploration: Have students design a simple boat using foil and test how much weight it can hold before sinking.

Key Vocabulary

Prediction	An educated guess about what will happen in an experiment, based on what you already know.
Sink	To fall to the bottom of a liquid, like water.
Float	To rest on the surface of a liquid, like water, without sinking.
Observation	Noticing and describing what happens during an experiment using your senses.