Spanish · B1 · Family moment
Our first floating experiment in Spanish
This guide focuses on describing cause-and-effect relationships during a simple science experiment. At a B1 level, we move beyond simple sentences to connect observations with logical consequences using result clauses.
What you'll learn
- Express observed consequences of physical actions
- Use result connectors like 'así que', 'de modo que', and 'por lo que'
- Describe physical changes and states in a scientific context
Spanish phrases for our first floating experiment
El cuenco es transparente, así que podemos verlo todo.
The bowl is transparent, so we can see everything.
'Así que' is the most common way to express 'so' as a result.
Eché demasiada agua, de modo que se derramó un poco.
I added too much water, so some spilled out.
'De modo que' followed by the indicative describes an actual result.
La piedra se hundió, así que solo quedó la hoja encima.
The stone sank, so only the leaf was left on top.
'Quedar' is used here to mean 'to be left' or 'to remain'.
El papel se mojó, por lo que nuestro barco se hizo más pesado.
The paper got wet, so our boat became heavier.
'Por lo que' is slightly more formal and links two related facts.
El barco se volcó, así que la moneda se cayó.
The boat tipped over, so the coin fell out.
Both 'volcarse' and 'caerse' are reflexive verbs indicating accidental or physical change.
Movimos el cuenco, de modo que el agua empezó a agitarse.
We moved the bowl, so the water started shaking.
'Agitarse' describes the movement of the liquid.
Sujetaste el cuenco con firmeza, así que no se derramó nada más.
You held the bowl steady, so nothing else spilled.
'Con firmeza' captures the idea of holding something steady.
Dibujamos los resultados, de modo que todos pueden compararlos.
We drew the results, so everyone can compare them.
When the result is an objective fact that occurred, use the indicative (pueden).
Hear these phrases and practise them
Tildi plays every phrase out loud, tests you in five-minute lessons and builds them into bedtime stories from your own picture books.
Try it free for 7 daysKey words
Cuenco
Bowl
Commonly used for a deep dish used in experiments or kitchen tasks.
Hundirse
To sink
The opposite of 'flotar' (to float).
Derramarse
To spill
Used for liquids or small grains falling out of a container.
Volcarse
To tip over / capsize
Essential for describing boat experiments.
Result Clauses (Oraciones Consecutivas)
In Spanish, result clauses express the consequence of an action. Unlike purpose clauses (which use 'para que' + Subjunctive), result clauses describing real events use 'así que' or 'de modo que' followed by the Indicative mood.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Common Connector | así que | Está lloviendo, así que no salimos. |
| Formal Connector | por lo que / de modo que | El experimento falló, por lo que repetimos el proceso. |
| Reflexive Result | se + verb | El vaso se rompió (The glass broke/got broken). |
More examples
¿Qué pasa si ponemos la piedra? Se hunde, así que no flota.
What happens if we put the stone in? It sinks, so it doesn't float.
A simple way to guide a child through cause and effect.
El barco es de papel, de modo que se moja rápido.
The boat is made of paper, so it gets wet fast.
Stating a physical property and its logical consequence.