When do “floating” and “sinking” surprise us?

Raghuram, Vijeta and Ravi, Chitra (2025) When do “floating” and “sinking” surprise us? i wonder..., 14. pp. 89-92. ISSN 2582-1636

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Abstract

In much of school science, we rush from ‘seeing’ to ‘explaining,’ and sometimes skip the ‘seeing’ part altogether. For example, Chapter 7 (‘How Things Work’) of the Grade IV EVS textbook (NCERT, 2025-2026) suggests an investigation into floating and sinking.1 Yet stories, textbooks, and everyday experience often seem to have already settled the matter: stones sink, leaves float; adding sinking objects raises the water level.2, 3 By the time we reach the classroom, these ideas can feel so obvious that we may not feel the need to test them. Here is a puzzle that invites you to slow down, look closely, and notice what really happens when familiar objects interact with liquid

Item Type:	Articles in APF Magazines
Authors:	Raghuram, Vijeta and Ravi, Chitra
Document Language:	Language English
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Observation, Inquiry, Preconceptions, Hands-on investigation, Conceptual understanding
Subjects:	Natural Sciences
Divisions:	Azim Premji University - Bengaluru > University Publications > i wonder...
Full Text Status:	Public
Related URLs:	Publisher https://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/publ...
URI:	http://publications.azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/id/eprint/6577
Publisher URL:

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