Elementary schoolers engage in a game of logical reasoning called Secret Sort. A Venn diagram is used as a way to sort objects. This resource would be a great way to introduce the Venn diagram (maybe the most famous, and most-useful...

Young mathematicians rotate, flip, and sort their way to an understanding of the different attributes of geometric figures. Using transparent yellow and blue shapes, children try to match congruent figures together...

First graders examine how to sort concrete objects by their attributes. For 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...

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.

First graders compare seeds and explore how they are carried through the environment.

Classify seeds by attributes such as size, shape and color! Learners classify seeds using a dichotomous key. They identify human behaviors that have a positive impact on preserving seed and plant biodiversity.

Fifth graders explore geometry by creating shapes with construction paper. In this shape characteristics lesson, 5th graders identify the different attributes that make up specific shapes and create them using construction paper, rulers,...

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...

Fifth graders inquire as to why scientists use observable characteristics, how they sort the characteristics, and why they do so. They write journal entries to be used throughout this unit.

Students explore animal characteristics by participating in a SMART board activity. In this animal classification lesson, students utilize a sorting chart to divide different animal names by their observable characteristics. Students...

Students sort objects by shape, size and color. In this math and literacy sorting lesson, students listen to the book Freddy the Fish and the Squash that Goes Squish by Duke Christoffersen. Students work in small groups to sort vegetable...

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...

Students classify objects based on their attributes. They explain how archaeologists use classification to help answer research questions.

Students identify a variety of apples. In this agriculture activity, students examine various types of apples and sort them according to attributes. Students describe the apple and create a word web. As an extension activity, students...

Venn diagrams are helpful in understanding the idea of a set and using attributes to sort items. This basic plan is an introduction with an added bonus of an applet that can be used to demonstrate the activity. If a classroom of...

Statistics can be manipulated to say what you want them to say. Teach your classes to be wise consumers and sort through the bias in those reports. Young statisticians study different statistical reports and analyze them for...

Groups sort through NASA data provided in a graphic to create a graph using uniform units and intervals. Individuals then make connections to the increasing, decreasing, and constant intervals of the graph and relate these...

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 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.

Young scholars observe leaves. In this math and science cross-curriculum leaf lesson plan, students take a nature walk and collect leaves. Attributes are assigned and leaves are sorted in various ways. Young scholars use non-standard or...

Students observe, measure and sort leaves.  In this leaf lesson students divide into groups and observe the different kinds of leaves. 

Invite your first graders to compose and decompose two and three-dimensional figures with this fun, hands-on lesson. They investigate and predict the results of putting together and taking apart two-dimensional shapes with rubber bands...

Students collect, measure and classify leaves. For this inquiry-based sorting and classifying lesson, students look at various types of leaves they have collected and measure them using a standard unit of measurement. Next, they relate...

Students observe leaves in hands-on ways. As they observe attributes, they will group the leaves according to these attributes and consider any patterns they see emerge. In addition, they will communicate what they have learned about...