Bring mass measurement to life with the exciting and interactive Sinking Boats: Mass Investigation Activity! This hands-on science and maths crossover investigation invites students to explore the concept of mass by experimenting with how many blocks it takes to sink a boat made from aluminium foil. Combining problem-solving, observation, and critical thinking, it’s a fantastic way to deepen students’ understanding of weight and buoyancy in a meaningful and memorable way.

This investigation includes everything you need to guide students through the scientific process, from forming a prediction to recording results and drawing conclusions. As they design, test, and evaluate their foil boats, students will be immersed in practical learning that supports inquiry-based thinking and STEM skills. The activity works beautifully as a standalone investigation or as part of a broader unit on measurement or physical science.

Sinking Boats: Mass Investigation Activity also pairs perfectly with the book Who Sank the Boat? by Pamela Allen, making it a rich, cross-curricular experience. It’s ideal for whole-class participation or as a small group rotation. Younger students may benefit from completing the activity on A3 paper to give them more space for recording and designing.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Explore the concept of mass through hands-on investigation
• ✅ Use prediction, observation, and data collection strategies
• ✅ Record results and make conclusions based on findings
• ✅ Strengthen scientific vocabulary and inquiry skills
• ✅ Encourage problem-solving and creative thinking

What’s Included:

• Detailed teacher instructions with a suggested materials list
• Inquiry question and space for student predictions
• Cut and paste materials and procedure worksheet (with answers)
• My Boat Design template for planning
• Observation and testing pages for student note-taking
• Results and conclusion template to complete the scientific process

Materials Needed:

• Aluminium foil (one piece per student or group)
• Plastic or wooden blocks (uniform size for consistency)
• Containers or tubs of water
• Printed worksheet pages for each student
• Optional: A3 paper if using with younger students
• Optional: a copy of Who Sank the Boat? by Pamela Allen

How to Use:

1. Begin by reading Who Sank the Boat? to introduce the concept in a fun and familiar context.
2. Pose the inquiry question and invite students to make a prediction.
3. Students follow the cut-and-paste procedure and gather materials.
4. Each student designs and builds a foil boat, then tests how many blocks it can hold before sinking.
5. Students record their observations, tally results, and complete a conclusion.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during science or measurement units focused on mass or buoyancy
• 💡 Ideal for STEM rotations or group investigation days
• 💡 Pair with a discussion about fair testing and changing one variable
• 💡 Use as a launching point for follow-up design challenges or writing tasks

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Complete a demonstration first for students who may need visual support
• 💛 Laminate boat design templates for reuse in future lessons
• 💛 Encourage teamwork by having students collaborate in small groups

Sinking Boats: Mass Investigation Activity is a high-impact, low-prep way to bring mass measurement off the page and into students’ hands. It’s time to sink some boats and learn through discovery!