American Chemical Society
Classifying Objects Based on their Observable Properties
Sorting objects by properties is a instructional activity 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...
Curated OER
Sorting and Classifying Concrete Objects by Varying Attributes
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...
Curated OER
Sort the Compost Bin
Students discover what compost is. For 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...
Curated OER
Sorting Things Out
Written to examine seeds that grow in Kansas, you can adapt this lesson plan 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...
Curated OER
Classifying Rocks
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...
Curated OER
Sorting with Venn Diagrams
Students classify items and numbers on Venn Diagrams using computer applets. They find the similarities and differences in everyday objects.
Curated OER
Sorting Through Life!
Students sort and count objects. For this sorting skills lesson, students work in small group with various objects that can be sorted and counted in groups.
Curated OER
Gummy Bear Sorting
Students demonstrate knowledge of sorting and classifying by color as they sort gummy bear candies.
Curated OER
Sorting and Classifying Outdoors
Learners 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.
Curated OER
Shapes
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...
Curated OER
Magnetism
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...
Curated OER
An Introduction to Acids and Bases
Students explore acids and bases. In this lesson 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 the...
Curated OER
Math: Odd Object Out
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...
Curated OER
Classifying Candy I
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.
Curated OER
Investigating the Types of Energy in Different Objects
Students investigate forms of energy. In this physical science energy lesson plan, students work with a partner classifying household items according to the type of energy they have. Students complete a related worksheet.
Curated OER
Sink or Float
Third graders sort objects into those they think will float and those that will sink and test their predictions. They experiment with clay molding it into shapes that float. They place pennies in them until they sink. They test other...
Science 4 Inquiry
The Classification of Living Things
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...
Curated OER
Sampling Rocks
Students 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.
Curated OER
Big Bones, Little Bones
Students investigate archeology. In this archeology instructional activity, students research the process of excavation. Students participate in a mock-excavation and sort objects by physical properties.
Cornell University
Glued into Science—Classifying Polymers
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...
Curated OER
The Grouchy Ladybug
Students learn about sorting and classifying objects by size while reading Eric Carle's "The Grouchy Ladybug". In this sorting and classifying lesson, students first listen to and interact with the story. They then look at cut-outs of...
Curated OER
Classification And Identification
Students explore diagrammatic and taxonomic keys and their application in the marine sciences. They sort and classify objects and organisms based on visual attributes.
Curated OER
Human or Natural?
Students explore nature by participating in a class lab activity. In this human vs. nature lesson, students examine a group of items in their classroom and discuss whether they were created naturally or have been altered or created by...
Curated OER
Wonder Underground
Young scholars classify and record objects they find "underground." For this observation lesson, students dig into bins filled with soil and encounter various objects such as bark, twigs, etc. Young scholars classify their findings.