American Chemical Society
Classifying Objects Based on their Observable Properties
Sorting objects by properties is a lesson plan 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...
Curated OER
Sort the Compost Bin
Students discover what compost is. In this composting instructional activity, students view a sample of a compost bin and define what the purpose of compost is. Students discuss what the compost bin consists of and sort the compost bin...
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...
South Gloucestershire Council
Animal Classification: A Collaborative Sorting Activity for Key Stages 2 & 3
Introduce the logic behind a dichotomous key or administer a group performance assessment with a fun and challenging classification lesson. With explicit instructions for the teacher and for collaborative groups, as well as engaging...
Curated OER
Sorting
A lesson on classification and sorting is here for you. Elementary schoolers participate in an interactive computer game in which they sort books by theme. They take a trip to the library to observe and discuss how books are sorted, and...
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, 1st graders listen to Gray Rabbit's Odd One Out by Alan Baker, and discuss the actions of the main character. They practice sorting objects...
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
Halloween Candy Sort
Students use their Halloween candy to practice sorting and classifying. They compete a Venn diagram comparing their candy wrappers. They develop ways as a class to catorgize the candy in different ways.
Curated OER
Classifying Living Things
Students identify how to classify living things. They classify various concepts including family members, kinds of clothing, numbers, shapes, and vocabulary words. They discuss how to classify various concepts and classify pictures of...
Curated OER
Gummy Bear Sorting
Students demonstrate knowledge of sorting and classifying by color as they sort gummy bear candies.
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 Through Life!
Students sort and count objects. In this sorting skills lesson, students work in small group with various objects that can be sorted and counted in groups.
Curated OER
How are Seeds the Same and Different?
Students examine seeds from various plants. For this science lesson, students cut open fruits and vegetables in order to see the seeds. Students describe each type of seed and classify the seeds.
Curated OER
Classifying Shells
Young scholars observe and classify different types of shells. They compare and contrast an exhibit they created with one that already exists in a musuem. They discover the different characteristics of shells.
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 plan, students participate in a treasure hunt to gather item in nature and categorize their finds.
Berkshire Museum
Backyard Rocks
You don't have to travel far to learn about rocks, just step outside, pick up a stone, and begin investigating. After taking a class walk around the school grounds collecting rocks, young scientists practice their skills of observation...
Curated OER
Exploring Polygons and The Greedy Triangle
Excellent instructional activity! Anne Linehane's geometry story, The Greedy Triangle, offers an opportunity to practice forming various types of polygons with your learners. Using elastic bands (or Chinese jump...
Curated OER
What Is in a Rock?
Middle schoolers identify, sort, and classify mineral samples that make up a common rock.
Curated OER
Counting Candies
Students count, sort, and classify jellybeans by color. They use their data to create a bar graph. Students are given a small bag of jellybeans, and a worksheet on Counting Candies Tally Chart. They work in small groups. Students are...
Curated OER
Magnetism
First graders investigate magnetism. In this magnetism lesson, 1st graders classify objects as being magnetic or nonmagnetic. Students receive a pile of objects to test. Students test the items and give a rationale of why they think the...
Curated OER
An Introduction to Acids and Bases
Students explore acids and bases. In this lesson about acids and bases, students do an experiment to test certain items to determine what they are. Students use cabbage and litmus paper as indicators. Students understand how to sort the...
Curated OER
Harriman and Plant Identification
Students observe and record botanical details from the plant specimens. They identify plants using sorting key and field guide and classify specimens for preservation and display purposes.
Curated OER
SORTING ALL SORTS
Students examine how the method of classification is used. In this sorting instructional activity students take a pre-test, classify organisms and complete a crossword puzzle.
Curated OER
Rocks, Gems, and Minerals
Fourth graders review by sorting and classifying minerals. They describe the composition of a mineral and use rules to classify that mineral. They complete a mineral scratch test and place the results in a table in the second activity.