Sorting objects by properties is a lesson in justification. Learners begin by studying different types of properties of materials, including those based on appearance and texture. They examine the properties of specific items and use...

Students discover what compost is. In this composting lesson, students view a sample of a compost bin and define what the purpose of compost is. Students discuss what the compost bin consists of and sort the compost bin into the green...

First graders examine how to sort concrete objects by their attributes. In this sorting lesson, 1st graders listen to Gray Rabbit's Odd One Out by Alan Baker, and discuss the actions of the main character. They practice sorting objects...

Written to examine seeds that grow in Kansas, you can adapt this lesson to anywhere you live. Learners sort a mixture of five different seeds to by any characteristic of their choice. When your budding scientists are exploring the life...

Students explore acids and bases. In this activity about acids and bases, students do an experiment to test certain items to determine what they are. Students use cabbage and litmus paper as indicators. Students understand how to sort...

Students sort and count objects. In this sorting skills instructional activity, students work in small group with various objects that can be sorted and counted in groups.

Second graders examine the seeds in fresh fruit. In this seeds activity, 2nd graders view different seeds and tell how they are alike and different. Students separate the seeds into groups according to their characteristics.

Young scholars use their math skills of sorting and classifying with materials they collect outdoors. In this early childhood math lesson, students participate in a treasure hunt to gather item in nature and categorize their finds.

A well-designed lesson plan on rock classification awaits you. In it, fifth graders are divided into groups. Each group is given a box of rocks which they must sort into two categories. They use the "Rock 'n Roll Rule," in making their...

Explore the unique characteristics of polymers. A complete lesson begins with a presentation introducing polymers. Following the presentation, young scientists develop a laboratory plan for creating substances using polymers. They...

Venn diagrams are helpful in understanding the idea of a set and using attributes to sort items. This basic plan is an introduction with an added bonus of an applet that can be used to demonstrate the activity. If a classroom of...

Young scholars analyze rocks. In this geology lesson, students collect rocks from the schoolyard and sort them according to various characteristics, such as color, size, and weight.

Young scholars demonstrate knowledge of sorting and classifying by color as they sort gummy bear candies.

Students classify items and numbers on Venn Diagrams using computer applets. They find the similarities and differences in everyday objects.

It's a classification sensation! Demystify why we classify using an inquiry activity that helps your class sort things out. Groups begin by classifying a variety of shoes before they research organisms and design their own dichotomous...

Students explore diagrammatic and taxonomic keys and their application in the marine sciences. They sort and classify objects and organisms based on visual attributes.

Students classify objects based on their attributes. They explain how archaeologists use classification to help answer research questions.

Students investigate archeology. In this archeology lesson, students research the process of excavation. Students participate in a mock-excavation and sort objects by physical properties.

Students classify and record objects they find "underground." In this observation lesson, students dig into bins filled with soil and encounter various objects such as bark, twigs, etc. Students classify their findings.

Students complete a variety of activities related to the physical characteristics of minerals. They classify and group candy, classify rocks and complete a Pet River Rock worksheet. Students try to guess which rock goes with each...

Students sort objects by shape, size and color. In this math and literacy sorting lesson, students listen to the book Freddy the Fish and the Squash that Goes Squish by Duke Christoffersen. Students work in small groups to sort vegetable...

First graders investigate magnetism. In this magnetism lesson, 1st graders classify objects as being magnetic or nonmagnetic. Students receive a pile of objects to test. Students test the items and give a rationale of why they think the...

Students explore the observable properties of matter. They develop two binary classification systems using concrete objects. based on two different properties of the concrete objects.

Students discover how to classify and categorize items by sorting various objects. As they sort the items, they explain how the items are alike. By repeating the sorting procedure several times, students determine there are numerous...