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...
Curated OER
Classifying Objects
Fourth graders classify living things according to similarities and differences through guided and independent activities. They place objects into groups according to their characteristics and then make a collage of living things...
Curated OER
Classify Machines that Fly!
Eighth graders explore flight and the dichotomous key. In this flight lesson, 8th graders gain understanding of the dichotomous key and create one of their own. Students then use their dichotomous key to classify types of aircraft.
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 plan, 1st graders listen to Gray Rabbit's Odd One Out by Alan Baker, and discuss the actions of the main character. They practice sorting...
Curated OER
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...
Balanced Assessment
Bumpy-Ness
Develop a new measure of the properties of an object. Scholars develop a definition and formula to measure the bumpy-ness of an object. They utilize their formulas to find the property for several spherical objects.
Curated OER
Living and Nonliving
Learners use their senses to record and collect data. In How Do I Classify Things in My World?, students practice classifying objects as living or nonliving. In Is it Real Or Pretend?, learners group objects as real or pretend. In What...
Curated OER
A Couch or a Potato
Students classify objects and organisms seen on the Wakulla Springs icam website as living or nonliving.
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
Sorting and Classifying Outdoors
Students 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
Look At Those Leaves!
Kids observe, classify, and measure tree leaves with a scientific eye. They examine leaves, group them according their attributes, and use standard units of measurement as they compare their sizes. They access a web site to learn how...
Curated OER
Sorting Things Out
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...
Curated OER
Sampling Rocks
Here is a geology instructional activity which invites learners to explore a variety of rocks. They find rocks in the schoolyard and classify them according to size, color, and weight, then read the book Everybody Needs a Rock. Good...
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
Discovering Dichotomous Keys
Young scholars become familiar with the structure and use of dichotomus keys. They demonstrate a comprehension of the fundamental principles of taxonomy by classifying organisms from a local ecosystem. Students are introduced to the...
Cornell University
Classification
Explore the scientific method of classification. An interactive activity asks learners to create a classification system for a group of objects and develop a flow chart to communicate their systems. In addition, individuals use a...
Curated OER
Investigating the Types of Energy in Different Objects
Students investigate forms of energy. In this physical science energy lesson, students work with a partner classifying household items according to the type of energy they have. Students complete a related worksheet.
Curated OER
Sink It
Introduce your class to the concept of sinking and floating. In groups, they classify objects after making predictions about which materials will sink or float. They record their results and create graphs and charts to share with the class.
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
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
Magnets: They Are Totally Attractive
Young scholars classify objects that magnets are attracted to and aren't attracted to. They also magnetize metal. They construct and use a compass. They develop a product which show they explain the properties of magnetism.
Curated OER
Magnets
Second graders classify objects and create hypotheses regarding their magnetic properties. They watch a video about magnets and finally use a magnet to test their hypotheses created earlier.