Sink or float
Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher
"Sink or float" is written for 5th Grade (Ages 10-11), and it covers NGSS 5-PS1-3. If your little one is a year younger but already steady on matter, the page still works. You may just need to read the instructions out loud. And if they are older and properties of matter never quite stuck, this is a short review rather than busywork.


Free printable 5th grade science worksheet on properties of matter (sink or float). Answer key included. Aligned to 5-PS1-3. Part of our properties of matter matter collection.
How do I use this worksheet?
Start with something students can look at or think about: a photo, a short video, a jar on the windowsill, or a question like "what do you already know about properties of matter?" Then let them work through it independently and self-check their own work against an answer key before you review it as a class, keeping a word bank or anchor chart in view so the vocabulary stays available. When you review, ask students how they knew, and let them point to the part of the diagram or reading that told them. These properties of matter worksheets work well as a lead in before an investigation, as a way to capture what students noticed afterward, or as review before an assessment.
What students will practice
- Students will observe and describe properties of matter using accurate science vocabulary.
- Students will gather evidence about properties of matter from readings, data, and their own investigations.
- Students will use what they learn about properties of matter to explain what they see and answer questions about the world around them.
Curriculum Links
Next Generation Science Standards
Science · 5th Grade
Find this in the curriculum
Browse the grade, subject, and topic this belongs to.
FAQ
How do I use this properties of matter worksheet?
⌄
Start with something students can look at or think about: a photo, a short video, a jar on the windowsill, or a question like "what do you already know about properties of matter?" Then let them work through it independently and self-check their own work against an answer key before you review it as a class, keeping a word bank or anchor chart in view so the vocabulary stays available. When you review, ask students how they knew, and let them point to the part of the diagram or reading that told them. These properties of matter worksheets work well as a lead in before an investigation, as a way to capture what students noticed afterward, or as review before an assessment.
What does this worksheet teach?
⌄
These properties of matter worksheets for 5th grade give students a clear, visual way to work through one of the big ideas in matter. Students label diagrams, sort and classify examples, read short explanations, and answer questions that ask them to say why, not just what. Each page keeps the science vocabulary front and center so students leave with the words they need to talk about properties of matter accurately. Working through properties of matter on paper gives 5th grade students something concrete to hold onto before, during, or after the hands on part of a lesson.
Can I use this properties of matter worksheet for homeschool or classroom?
⌄
Yes, both. We made it for 5th Grade matter, and the page works the same whether it lands on a kitchen table or a center rotation. At home, most families go through it together and talk the answers out loud, and that talking is where most of the learning happens with properties of matter. In class it runs well as independent work while you pull a small group. Print one copy or thirty, whichever the day needs.
How many 5th Grade properties of matter worksheets are there?
⌄
3 printable worksheets, all free to preview. Downloads are included with a ClassWeekly free trial, and every page prints on standard 8.5 x 11 paper.
What age are properties of matter worksheets for?
⌄
These are written for 5th Grade students, roughly ages 10-11. Many teachers also use them a grade up for review or a grade down as an extension, so use the preview to judge the fit for a particular child.
Are these properties of matter worksheets aligned to NGSS?
⌄
Yes. Each one shows the NGSS code it covers on its own page, so you can check the alignment yourself rather than taking our word for it.
Ratings & Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share what you think.
Reviews are for ClassWeekly members.
Make a Request
Spotted something to fix, or want a worksheet we don't have yet? Tell us and we'll make it.
What is ClassWeekly?
ClassWeekly offers free worksheets and printable learning resources for kids in preschool to grade 5. All worksheets are aligned to Common Core, NGSS, and C3 Framework standards and designed by educators. Become a member to access the full library and download unlimited PDFs.







