Scientists classify everything from the smallest cells to the largest galaxies, but how do they decide on a classification system? Scholars use 40 pictures of galaxies taken by the Hubble Space Telescope to sort and try creating their...

First graders record information on a bar graph and interpret the information given. They identify five different kinds of beans and three different kinds of peas. They work in groups of four and sort the beans by size or shape.

Fifth graders classify blocks according to their attributes. In this math lesson, 5th graders will identify attributes of blocks, sort them, then form the groups into a Venn Diagram, and write ratios using the attributes.

Students investigate geometric shapes in their environment, make a geometric design, and write paragraphs describing the design.

Second graders explore how musical instruments h ave varying geometric shape, and how those geometric shapes correspond to three-dimenaional shapes that students have studied.

Students discuss lines, shapes, patterns, and colors used in Jun Kaneko's piece Untitled (Dango). In groups, they help make a paper Mache replica and demonstrate their understanding of lines, shapes patterns, and colors by painting their...

Students use pattern blocks and triangular grid paper to review shape names, be introduced to the concept of a tiling of the plane, and determine which pattern blocks tile the plane. They are asked: "Have you ever seen a floor or a wall...

Students use comparisons, graphing, patterning, and sorting, and develop language skills as they explore the five senses.

Middle schoolers compare and contrast related two- and three-dimensional shapes, and complete a Venn diagram illustrating the attributes of each. Using a poem pattern from another lesson, students use data from the diagram to write an...

In this identifying shapes:  top, bottom, middle instructional activity, students circle the correct word to indicate the position of the colored shape, either top, bottom or middle.

Fifth graders examine different types of rocks and classify rocks by their different characteristics. In small groups they sort their rocks into two categories, then create three categories to sort by on a sorting worksheet. Next, they...

Students construct polygons. They identify attributes of three-dimensional shapes. Students name common three-dimensional shapes. They draw three-dimensional shapes, and sort three-dimensional shapes. Students use K'NEX materials sets to...

Students investigate archeology. In this archeology lesson, students research the process of excavation. Students participate in a mock-excavation and sort objects by physical properties.

Students 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 look...

Students sort tree leaves. In this plant biology instructional activity, students collect leaves and group them according to size, shape, and color. Students discuss their observations.

Students examine and identify polyhedron shapes on a math website. They write journal reflections about two- and three-dimensional shapes, and transform a square into a pinwheel.

In this cells worksheet, students review different types of cells including their different functions and shapes. This worksheet has 6 matching and 3 short answer questions.

In this geometry skills learning exercise, students examine 4 pairs of similar shapes and use their problem solving skills and the information provided to calculate the length of segments.

In this classification worksheet, students are given nine pictures of different types of fish. They cut them out and use a key to classify each into a category based on their characteristics.

Students conduct an online experiment to discover what happens to solids, liquids and gases in different temperatures. In this states of matter lesson plan, students get into pairs and work in a virtual laboratory to...

High schoolers establish classifications of shapes by various properties (angles, sides, etc.). They introduce the important properties of common shapes. Students develop an awareness of the wide variety of ways the 2-D shapes can be alike.

Students practice figuring out how items have been sorted. They also sort buttons in small cooperative groups. They color and sort their own paper buttons and then give their button sort to another student to see if he or she can figure...

Middle schoolers identify objects that are the same shape and size. They compare and contrast attributes of two-and three-dimensional objects using appropriate vocabulary. Pupils justify an extension of a geometric pattern to explain...

Students 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.