American Chemical Society
Classifying Objects Based on their Observable Properties
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...
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How are Seeds the Same and Different?
Learners examine seeds from various plants. In this science lesson, students cut open fruits and vegetables in order to see the seeds. Learners describe each type of seed and classify the seeds.
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Classification
Students investigate how to classify items based on similar characteristics. They study the scientific system of classification.
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Sorting Things Out
Written to examine seeds that grow in Kansas, you can adapt this instructional activity to anywhere you live. Learners sort a mixture of five different seeds to by any characteristic of their choice. When your budding scientists are...
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Classify the Microbes
Students classify microorganisms into categories based on their characteristics. Pupils use a taxonomic key to identify organisms. They classify certain bacteria, protists, and viruses using a classification or taxonmic key.
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Classifying Conundrum
Fourth graders identify plant characteristics from different environments and communicate that information in different ways. They use a simple scheme to classify Utah plants and animals and make observations and record them in a...
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"Finding Your Sweet Tooth"--An Introduction to the Dichotomous Key
Sixth graders classify candy according to observable characteristics. They use a dichotomous key to identify their bag of "treats." Thus, describe how dichotomous keys help to the identifying of organisms. Design a self-generated...
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Sorting and Classifying Outdoors
Students use their math skills of sorting and classifying with materials they collect outdoors. In this early childhood math instructional activity, students participate in a treasure hunt to gather item in nature and categorize their...
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Classify Rocks
Students classify different types of rocks. In this earth science lesson plan, students test different rock samples and construct a chart to record observations. They create a concept map that answers essential questions.
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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.
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Living vs. Non-Living Things
Fourth graders describe the characteristics that determine if something is living, dead, or non-living. They determine the difference between living and non-living things. Students determine if an object is living or non-living and...
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Bivalve or Univalve (Clam or Snail)?
Fourth graders explore the meaning of the prefixes "bi" and "uni." In groups, 4th graders observe pictures of shells and handle real shells. Students create a chart to classify each shell as a bivalve or univalve. They identify the...
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The Grouchy Ladybug
Young scholars learn about sorting and classifying objects by size while reading Eric Carle's "The Grouchy Ladybug". In this sorting and classifying instructional activity, students first listen to and interact with the story. They then...
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Investigation: Sorting and Classifying
Fifth graders explore geometry by creating shapes with construction paper. In this shape characteristics lesson, 5th graders identify the different attributes that make up specific shapes and create them using construction paper, rulers,...
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Magnets: Magnetic Pick-Ups
Fourth graders investigate the affect of magnetism on various objects. They determine ways of sorting or classifying objects. Students examine what features of objects determine whether they are attracted to a magnet. They record their...
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Insects!
Students explore the diet of insects. In this "insects" biology lesson, students take a nature walk and collect various natural materials they think may be eaten by insects. Students sort and classify these materials into three diet...
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A Couch or a Potato
Students classify objects and organisms seen on the Wakulla Springs icam website as living or nonliving.
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Electromagnetic Energy and Its Spectrum
Your older elementary students investigate electromagnetic energy and the electromagnetic spectrum. They will observe 7 items represented in the electromagnetic spectrum and make a poster of all the things the items have in common. After...
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Food for Spaceflight
When astronauts get hungry in outer space, they can't just call and have a pizza delivered. In order to gain an appreciation for the challenges associated with space travel, young learners are given the task of selecting,...
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Archeologists For a Day
Young scholars listen to a reading about fossils and go on a hunt for items with fossil characteristics. In this cross curricular fossil instructional activity, students will examine their fossil finds and create a graphic...
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Teaching with Collections
Learners examine collections. In these real-world collections lessons, students examine and describe buttons and shells. Learners will then sort, classify, and graph items according to various indicated descriptors.
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Sorting with Venn Diagrams
Students classify items and numbers on Venn Diagrams using computer applets. They find the similarities and differences in everyday objects.
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Shell Sort; Serving up Seafood
Pupils complete various small group activities to classify items and determine the types of combinations that can be made with these items. In the second lesson, students create menus for a restaurant to help them gain money sense and...
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Sink or Float?
Have your class explore density and buoyancy using this resource. Learners read the book Who Sank the Boat, and use several items, such as rubber balls, bottle caps, wood, and other household items to conduct an experiment. Using a tub...