Theme: Things That Float

From tiny pieces of wax and foam to sea creatures, safety gear, and giant airships, these nine answers can stay afloat on water, in water, or in the air.

9 themed words All 26 letters covered Vowels shown in gold Consonants hidden in blue
1
  A  
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  1. This material is used in candles and coatings.
  2. Many common types are less dense than water.
  3. Small pieces can remain on the water’s surface.
  4. It can float when placed in water.
Reveal answer
W A X
Background information
Many common waxes have a density lower than water, allowing pieces of wax to float. Wax is used in candles, polishes, coatings, and many other products.
2
  U O  
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  1. This object is commonly seen on lakes, rivers, and seas.
  2. It may mark a channel, hazard, or location.
  3. It is often anchored while remaining at the surface.
  4. It is designed to float on water.
Reveal answer
B U O Y
Background information
A buoy is a floating device used for navigation, marking locations or hazards, mooring, research, and other purposes. Many are anchored so they remain in a designated area.
3
  O A  
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  1. This material contains many trapped pockets of gas.
  2. Some forms are used for packaging and insulation.
  3. Its low density can provide buoyancy.
  4. Many types float easily on water.
Reveal answer
F O A M
Background information
Foam consists of gas bubbles trapped within a liquid or solid material. Many solid foams are lightweight and buoyant, which is why foam is often used in flotation equipment.
4
  U    
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  1. This bird is commonly found around ponds and lakes.
  2. Its feet are adapted for swimming.
  3. Its feathers help repel water.
  4. It can sit and move across the surface of water.
Reveal answer
D U C K
Background information
Ducks are waterbirds adapted for swimming and floating. Their bodies are naturally buoyant, while water-resistant feathers help keep them relatively dry.
5
  I   E   E    
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  1. This is worn for safety around water.
  2. It is designed to provide extra buoyancy.
  3. Boaters and water-sport participants commonly use it.
  4. It is worn to help keep you afloat in water.
Reveal answer
L I F E V E S T
Background information
A life vest, or personal flotation device, uses buoyant materials or inflatable chambers to help keep a person at the water’s surface and reduce the risk of drowning.
6
  I   E   I    
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  1. This circular safety device is kept near water.
  2. It may be thrown to someone who needs help.
  3. Its shape makes it easy to hold onto.
  4. It floats while providing emergency buoyancy.
Reveal answer
L I F E R I N G
Background information
A life ring is a circular flotation device designed to be thrown to a person in the water. Its buoyancy provides support while the person is rescued or reaches safety.
7
  E     E   I  
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  1. This is a type of large rigid airship.
  2. Its shape is long and streamlined.
  3. It uses lighter-than-air gas to stay aloft.
  4. It is a giant airship that floats through the sky.
Reveal answer
Z E P P E L I N
Background information
A Zeppelin is a rigid airship associated with designs pioneered by Ferdinand von Zeppelin. Lighter-than-air lifting gas provides buoyancy that allows the craft to remain aloft.
8
  E         I    
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  1. This sea creature has a soft, gelatinous body.
  2. Many species have trailing tentacles.
  3. Currents play a major role in carrying it through the sea.
  4. It is a tentacled sea creature that floats with the currents.
Reveal answer
J E L L Y F I S H
Background information
Jellyfish are gelatinous aquatic animals that move by pulsing their bell-shaped bodies but are also strongly influenced by ocean currents, often drifting through the water.
9
A   U A     A   E
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  1. This board-like device is used on water.
  2. It can be towed behind a boat.
  3. A rider may stand or lie on it.
  4. It stays at the surface while skimming across the water.
Reveal answer
A Q U A P L A N E
Background information
An aquaplane is a board designed to skim across the surface of water, traditionally while being towed behind a motorboat. Its broad shape helps it remain at the surface while moving.

Floating Trivia

🛟 Buoyancy keeps objects afloat.
An object floats when the upward buoyant force from the surrounding fluid can balance its weight.
🧽 Foam traps lots of gas.
The gas-filled structure of many foams makes them much less dense than solid materials, which can make them useful for flotation.
🎈 Airships float using lifting gas.
Zeppelins and other lighter-than-air craft use a gas less dense than the surrounding air to create buoyant lift.
🪼 Jellyfish are expert drifters.
Although jellyfish can pulse their bodies to move, currents strongly influence where many species travel through the ocean.