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...
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...
Curated OER
Sorting Living and Nonliving Objects
Third graders sort and classify objects. In this sorting lesson plan, 3rd graders sort small objects such as cereal or candy. Then, students classify and sort objects that are living or nonliving.
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 plan, 1st graders listen to Gray Rabbit's Odd One Out by Alan Baker, and discuss the actions of the main character. They practice sorting...
Curated OER
Sorting Objects
Students sort objects by color. In this classification lesson, students identify the color of the objects and categorize them according to color.
Curated OER
Fun With Sorting and Classifying
Using a variety of activities, kindergartners explore sorting and classification. Learners engage in an online sorting activity, read books involving classification, and create their own class book. This is a marvelousway to explore this...
Illustrative Mathematics
3-D Shape Sort
From the apple on your desk and the coffee cup in your hand, to the cabinets along the classroom wall, basic three-dimensional shapes are found everywhere in the world around us. Introduce young mathematicians to the these common figures...
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.
Curated OER
Sort the Compost Bin
Students discover what compost is. In this composting lesson, 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 into the green...
Curated OER
Sorting Through Spiders
Students utilize their own drawings of spiders to analyze and sort the attributes that each student drew.
Curated OER
What's My Rule for Sorting?
Students view objects sorted by one characteristic and name that characteristic. In this sorting rule lesson plan, students explore to find a new characteristic and write a description of that rule. In early grades the rule might be...
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...
PBS
Button, Button
Youngsters count, classify, and estimate quantities using buttons after a read aloud of The Button Box by Margarette S. Reid. They discuss the difference between guessing and estimating. Based on an experiment, they predict the number of...
Curated OER
Sort it Out
Young scholars identify and sort a variety of two- and three-dimensional objects and compare and contrast their attributes. They identify shapes, locate shapes on the faces of solids, sort real objects and explain the sorting rule, and...
Curated OER
Cars, Trucks, and Things that Go Sorting Fun!
First graders sort toys by various attributes. They, in groups, sort toy vehicles by color, size etc. and then explain how they chose to group the toys. They write, draw or dictate an explanation of their sorting methods.
Curated OER
Burns
First graders classify and sort items into categories of things that can cause burns and not cause burns. For this burns lesson plan, the teacher facilitates a discussion of things that can burn students and not burn them. They then...
Curated OER
Grouping Buttons
Looking for a good lesson on counting and sorting? This lesson is worth a look! In this classification lesson, learners sort buttons by color, shape, shiny verses not shiny, or number of holes.
Curated OER
Fruits and Vegetables
Here is a fun way to investigate fruits and vegetables. In this healthy diet and reading lesson, learners read and recite several poems about fruits and vegetables. They sort pictures and word cards with assorted names of fruits and...
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
Bodacious Buttons
First graders participate in games, graphing, and probability exercises to sort and graph buttons. They sort buttons with Venn diagrams and Bull's Eye graphs.
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
Eating Our Way to a Healthy Body: Classifying Foods
Learners examine the major food groups. In this classifying foods lesson, students discover the 5 food groups as they read books and play games. Learners then sort foods into the appropriate food groups
Curated OER
Classifying Rocks
Fifth graders examine and participate in the process of classifying rocks. In small groups, they sort the rocks into two categories and complete a Venn diagram. Next, they select three rocks, and complete a worksheet that is in the...
Curated OER
Sorting and Using Materials
Students explore materials and their properties. For this matter lesson, students identify objects and describe their properties. Students test and sort materials using an interactive whiteboard, followed by a group discussion of what...