Which activity helps preschoolers begin to develop science-inquiry skills?

The activity that involves exploring blocks made of different materials to determine whether they sink or float in water effectively promotes science-inquiry skills in preschoolers. This hands-on experience encourages young children to observe and investigate their environment, which is a fundamental aspect of scientific learning.

By engaging in this exploration, children are prompted to ask questions such as "Why does this block float?" or "What happens when I place this block in water?" This fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they form hypotheses and test them through experimentation. Additionally, this activity introduces basic concepts of physics, buoyancy, and material properties, which are essential building blocks in early science education.

In contrast, the other options, while beneficial for developing various skills, do not strongly focus on inquiry-based learning. Sorting objects by color is primarily about categorization; counting blocks emphasizes numerical skills rather than inquiry; and reciting names of shapes involves memorization instead of exploration. Therefore, the activity of experimenting with sink or float outcomes stands out in effectively developing science-inquiry skills in preschoolers.