Copyright © 2016 Cornerstones Education Limited

ResourcesFloating flower template (provided)

SaucerWater

ScissorsOther resources including variety of paper types, liquids and craft materials.Timer (optional)

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2. Fold each of the petalsinwards.

1. Cut out a flower carefully from the template provided.

5. Observe whathappens.

3. Pour water intothe saucer.

4. Carefully float your foldedflower on the water, petal-side up.

ExplainAs the paper absorbs the water it spreads through the foldedpetals by ‘capillary action’. The absorbed water makes the fibres in the paper swell and this swelling causes the folded petals of the flower to open up.

Suggest • Does the way you fold the petals make a difference to how it opens? • Does the flower open in other liquids? • Does the same thing happen if the flower is made from other types of paper or card? • Do other paper shapes do the same thing?

Demonstrate this simplebut amazing blooming flower, science activity before letting the childrenhave a go themselves.

England: KS1/KS2Wales: Y1/Y2/KS2Floating

flowersLesson plan

Copyright © 2016 Cornerstones Education Limited

Floating flower template