Sorting and Classifying

 

As we embark on our newest science unit, we are learning more about sorting and classifying.  Scientist sort and classify animals by groups – mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish, and insects.  We will be learning about each of these groups of animals as our unit continues.  But to begin our practice of sorting and classifying we did not start with animals – we started with random items.  Groups of students were given a collection of items to sort and classify.  They had to choose a sorting rule and then make sure that all of their items fit into a group according to the rule.  They had a fabulous time determining the rules and then sorting the items to fit.  It was enlightening to hear their sorting discussions and to see some of the categories they came up with!  Markers were sorted by brand, color, and type; buttons by shape, color, and number of holes; and candy by type, color, and whether or not they “like” it!  All in a days work for a this budding group of scientists!