What is a submarine?

A submarine is like a big metal boat that can go under the water. Imagine a giant fish that people can ride in!

How does it go under the water?

• At first it floats on the top of the water like a boat.
• To go down, the submarine fills special pockets with water. That makes it heavy, so it sinks down.
• To come back up, it pushes the water out and fills the pockets with air. That makes it float again.

Who is inside?

People called sailors or explorers sit inside. They drive the submarine, look out with a periscope (a long tube that helps you see above the water), and keep everyone safe.

Fun facts

• Submarines can stay underwater for a long time.
• Some submarines are as long as a bus!
• They are very strong so the water cant squish them.

Try a simple game

Play submarine at home: sit in a big box, count down "3, 2, 1, dive!" and pretend the box fills with water. Then say "blow!" and pretend to push the water out to rise to the top. Its a fun way to learn what a submarine does.

If you want, I can show a picture or draw a submarine with you!