Curated OER
Energy Consumption
Students investigate the power consumption of household objects by using a classification sheet. In this energy conservation lesson, students read through a list of household items and tools and organize them by predicting which...
Noyce Foundation
Lawn Mowing
This is how long we mow the lawn together. The assessment requires the class to work with combining ratios and proportional reasoning. Pupils determine the unit rate of mowers and calculate the time required to mow a lawn if they work...
Curated OER
What's the Difference?
Students analyze the similarities in different species. This lesson plan is part of a multi-segmented unit on the diversity of life. In this segment, students classify shoes to mimic the scientific categories of the classification system.
Curated OER
To Group of Not to Group - That is the Question!
Upper elementary and middle schoolers use their observation skills to group different kinds of candy by similar characteristics. They debate whether or not we should classify objects. Finally, they learn that biologists have developed a...
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.
Curated OER
Sink/Float Discovery bottle
Investigate which items float and which ones sink using this resource. Learners participate in an activity in which they investigate this phenomena. Then they describe the experimental process, and learn how to display their results.
Curated OER
Classic Trash
Students investigate how trash is classified and the options to deal with it. In this trash and recycling instructional activity, students perform an activity to classify trash into organic, renewable/ recyclable, now...
Curated OER
Classification of Matter
Students investigate common household items and classify them into types of matter. In this matter lesson, students group given items into categories based on their characteristics. They also complete a concept map about matter and...
Curated OER
Talking Trash - Marine Debris
Learners bring in different trash items and define "marine debris" through a discussion about these items. They categorize debris and use statistics and graphing to better explain the types and amounts of marine debris found each yea
Curated OER
Classification and Identification
Students, after exploring and analyzing diagrammatic and taxonomic keys and their association to marine sciences, identify and classify objects and organisms based on visual attributes/characteristics. They research and create their own...
Curated OER
States of Matter
Fourth graders define the term matter. They compare properties of solids, liquids, and gases. They describe how matter changes from one state to another. They classify objects as either solid, liquid, or gas.
Curated OER
Composting and Mulching
Second graders define composting and recognize what can be composted. In this composting and mulching lesson, 2nd graders classify objects or pictures as good or bad for composting. Students write a story about life in the compost...
Curated OER
Getting Down to Basics (and Acidics)
Seventh graders investigate acids and bases. In this acids and bases lesson plan, 7th graders use household items such as coffee, lemons and soap to define acids and bases. They observe a demonstration to show how indicators determine if...
Curated OER
"A Pig is Big"
Students explore the concept of big, bigger, and biggest. They examine and classify items by size, listen to and discuss the book "A Pig is Big," complete a fill in the blank activity, and create a tri-fold that illustrates two items...
Curated OER
Animal Classifications
Third graders work in small groups to investigate how to sort a variety of items into groups and subgroups. They work on a class chart based on the activity which show how the items are classified based on commonalities. Upon completion...
Curated OER
Classification is Sweet
Students classify, weight and organize items during this instructional activity. This instructional activity works great as or with an introduction of the Periodic Table of Elements.
Curated OER
Creepy Critters
Learners classify imaginary newly discovered organisms. In this classification activity, students are given cards showing imaginary organisms that have been recently discovered. They must classify the organisms based on their...
Curated OER
Farm Products Help Me Grow
Learners view a display of empty food containers (or illustrations). They select a food and decide as a class if it has an animal or plant origin. Students view a display of common farm animals that are commonly eaten (cow, pig, chicken,...
Curated OER
Warning signs
Students sort and classify different attributes of warning signs, labels, and sounds. In this warning signs lesson plan, the teacher shows students different warning signs, labels, and sounds and tells students what each one means. ...
Curated OER
For Creative Minds
Students study pictures of plants, animals, and minerals. Students classify the pictures into the three groups. In this rock identification lesson, students complete a rock finding lab experiment by finding, cleaning, identifying, and...
Curated OER
Science Careers Want Ads
Sixth graders examine the important items that need to be included in a want ad. They create a want ad for a career in science.
Curated OER
Math is Everywhere: Part 2
Second graders identify shapes and measurements in everyday life. In this measurement lesson, 2nd graders locate rectangles in their classroom and use standard and nonstandard forms to measure them. Students view a video clip...
Curated OER
Metals, Non-metals, Metalloids
Students discuss the physical and chemical properties of metals and non-metals. As a group, they classify items as a metal or non-metal. Using the periodic table chart, students discuss the characteristics of each metal. Based upon...
Curated OER
Vegetarianism
Students classify ways to stick on a vegetarian diet. Students survey the reasons why others make it or fail on these types of diets. Students aim to improve their understanding of vegetarianism.