Curated OER
Sort It Out
Young scholars study classification systems by sorting Legos and determining how the different pieces are classified. They list as many attributes as possible to use for sorting.
Curated OER
Classifying Candy I
Learners 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
Wonder Underground
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.
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M & M Madness
Students work with the mathematics unit of collection, organization, and presentation of data. In this math and technology lesson plan, students use Valentine M & M’s and The Graph Club to sort and graph the various colored M & M’s.
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Biodiversity
Students investigate the diversity of temperate forests and tropical rainforests. They catch and observe local insects, sort leaves and insects on a chart, listen to the book "A Walk in the Rainforest," and create a class bar graph that...
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Categorization
Second graders participate in a teacher led bead sorting activity in which they describe different ways the beads can be grouped. Next, they participate in activities in which they sort and resort themselves into groups according to...
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Variation
Students practice sorting living things into groups using their characteristics. Using pictures of leaves and animals, they sort them based on their color and shape and write the objects characteristics under the picture. They share...
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Introduce Solids
Students identify and interpret a variety of solid materials - cloth, wood, metal, plastic, paper, and rubber. After a period of free exploration, they then describe the properties of the objects and develop vocabulary in order to...
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Magnetic Discovery Bottle
Students examine how to conduct simple investigations and use simple equipment to gather data. In this magnet activity students decide what types of objects are attracted to magnets.
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Magnifiers
Students describe how several different objects magnify a provided sentence and decide if they are good magnifiers or not. They then write a sentence describing two properties an object must have in order to be a good magnifier.
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Three States of Matter
Students explore the three states of matter. In this matter instructional activity, students are shown a variety of examples and decide whether it is a liquid, solid or gas. Students brainstorm what characteristics the objects in each...
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Classification and Attributes
Middle schoolers classify objects based on their attributes. They explain how archaeologists use classification to help answer research questions.
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Sink or Float?
Students examine how weight and balance can effect if an item sinks or floats. They listen to the book "Who Sank the Boat?" by Pamela Allen, and discuss how the smallest animal sank the boat. Students then conduct an experiment in...
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Liquids in Bottles
Students investigate different liquids to develop their concept of a liquid. They work at a center to tip, swirl, shake, roll, and otherwise investigate seven liquids in small, clear plastic bottles: plain water, corn syrup, liquid...
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Measurement
First graders participate in various activities dealing with measurement, length, volume, and temperature. They identify the need for standard units of measure, sort and classify objects, measure distances, and use a thermometer.
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Classifying Rocks
Learners classify rocks into groups after they observe the rocks and identify properties that can be used to divide them into groups. They then identify other properties that could be used to classify other objects into groups.
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John Muir: Long Ago and Now
Students explore nature objects brought indoors such as rocks, seeds, leaves and shells to identify where the objects came from. They hear stories about John Muir's life and make booklets about nature areas they enjoy.
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I Can Build It.....Yes I Can!
Kindergartners listen to a story read by their teacher, then use magnetic shape pieces to construct simple designes. They "build" their own house using pre-cut paper shapes. This age-appropriate lesson would be an excellent choice for...
Core Knowledge Foundation
Rocks & Minerals
Take young geologists on an exploration of the rock cycle with this six-lesson earth science unit on rocks and minerals. Through a series of discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on investigations your class will learn about the...
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Matter, Matter, Everywhere!
Eighth graders make inquiry about the existence of matter. A definition of the word is needed before students can engage in various activities. The application of knowing about matter is done in the working of experiments.
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Properties of Liquids
Students describe properties of liquids and use descriptive language as a springboard to develop precise vocabulary for properties of liquids. They also use vocabulary as practiced with liquid-vocabulary card games. Finally, students...
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Away We Go!
Students study types of transportation. In this transportation lesson, students survey several classes to gather data on how they get to school. Students create a transportation graph.
Curated OER
Favorite Days
Students collect and organize data about themselves. In this data analysis instructional activity, students discuss their favorite calendar dates and explore ways to display the data.