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
Object Sorting
First graders follow directions when sorting objects. They illustrate how objects are categorized by drawing at least two of the categories that they sorted the objects into. Students work in small groups at completing the task of...
Curated OER
Recycling Game ABC's and Sorting
Students participate in an ABC game based on recycling. In this recycling lesson, students sort objects into bins based on the first letter of each object. Students discuss the community and how to improve recycling.
California Academy of Science
Sorting the Solar System
Scientists are always sorting and classifying objects based on their characteristics. In a hands-on learning activity, young space explorers work together to categorize solar system cards based on their properties. It is up to the young...
Kindergarten Kindergarten
Living and Non-Living Sort
What do an ice cream cone, bicycle, and alarm clock all have in common? That's exactly what young scientists will find out as sort these pictures and learn about the differences between living and non-living things.
Curated OER
Sorting Living and Nonliving Objects
Third graders sort and classify objects. In this sorting lesson, 3rd graders sort small objects such as cereal or candy. Then, students classify and sort objects that are living or nonliving.
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...
SF Environment
Pre-School Composting and Recycling!
You can never be too young to get involved in composting or recycling. Here is a lesson that has been made for the very littlest learners and it's all about the importance of conservation. They'll sort compostable and recyclable objects,...
North Clackamas Schools
Sorting Living and Nonliving Objects
Is a rock living? How about lima beans? You'll find everything you need for an interactive sorting activity exploring living and non-living things.
Curated OER
At the Seaside
Encourage sorting and classification skills by asking, "What kinds of things are found at the seaside?" Kids sort objects by calling out the items found at the beach. They can choose from things like balls, dogs, bikinis, shells, and...
Curriculum Corner
Living/Non-Living Objects
Which of these pictures is living? Which one is non-living? Use a set of pictures to introduce living and non-living objects to young scientists.
Resources for Educators
Fractions of Fun
Reinforce concepts and encourage learner engagement with a collection of math games, science experiments, and cross curricular activities. In one fun resource, learners sort objects, keep a diary of everyday fractions, play a game using...
Curated OER
Light Travels Through Objects
Learners experiment with materials that allow light to pass through. In this physical science lesson, students investigate the way light is absorbed by many different glass objects and household items. Learners write their descriptive...
Curated OER
Sorting Objects
First graders experiment with sorting. In this sorting lesson, 1st graders separate objects according to one attribute: smooth, rough, hard or soft.
Curated OER
We're Off To the Races!
Second graders use a magnet to "race" objects from one side of a racing track to another. They predict what the results are, then run the race. Pupils sort and graph which items were successfully moved, they attempt to race again. This...
Curated OER
Fruits and Vegetables
Here is a fun way to investigate fruits and vegetables. In this healthy diet and reading instructional activity, learners read and recite several poems about fruits and vegetables. They sort pictures and word cards with assorted names of...
Pyro Innovations
Beach Exploration
Little ones will absolutely love this lesson. It's all about the beach and what they can find while sifting through the sand. A large bucket of sand filled with hidden items is brought into the classroom. Learners will discuss what kinds...
Curated OER
Plaster Casts of Natural Objects
Fourth graders observe objects in science and create a contour picture of the the object. In this arts and science observation lesson, 4th graders develop a clay sculpture of their object. Students generate a list of texture words to...
SF Environment
Sort and Color!
Sorting is a very important skill that can be used in math and even science. Learners get familiar with some environmentally friendly vocabulary terms as they practice separating objects that can be recycled from those that can't. They...
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 Gourds
Students discover different types of gourds. In this plant comparison lesson, students compare and contrast several types of gourds based on shape, color and texture. Students observe a video clip based on sorting gourds.
Curated OER
Gummy Bear Sorting
Students demonstrate knowledge of sorting and classifying by color as they sort gummy bear candies.
Curated OER
Sorting and Graphing Animals
Students inquire about animals using SIRS Discoverer or eLibrary Elementary. For this organizing data lesson, students sort pictures of animals in various ways and develop graphs. Students locate a mammal, reptile, fish, insect or bird...
Curated OER
Sorting
Students explore how to sort and manage information. In this organization lesson students complete an activity on sorting.