Sorting Objects

Designed by: Tonia Griffin       School: A. C. Moore Elem.

Grade Level: One       Subject(s): Science

Core Curriculum Objective(s): Sort objects and materials based on a single attribute. (State Standard Grade 1 IV 2 B)

Overview: Teacher and students will discuss how things can be sorted by a single attribute. Students will sort objects into groups of smooth, rough, hard, and soft. Students will be assessed on sorting objects into correct group.

Focus/Essential Question(s):
What is an attribute?

How can we sort these objects using a single attribute?

Is it smooth, rough, hard, or soft?

Time Frame: One 45 minute lesson.

Resources/Material: A variety of objects that are smooth, rough, hard, or soft. For example, rocks, shells, marbles, cotton balls, yarn pieces, erasers, feathers, pencils, crayons, small balls, etc. You will need enough objects so that students can work with a partner and have 6 objects for each pair of students.

Paper bags, enough for objects for each pair of students.

Paper and pencil for each student.

Science Blaster for First Grade (CD Rom) 

Assessment: Given a group of objects, the students will sort them into correct category either smooth, rough, hard, or soft. Teacher will assess students individual papers.

+ Students correctly sorts 5 - 6 of the objects into correct category of either smooth, rough, hard, or soft.

^ Students correctly sorts 3 - 4 of the 6 objects into correct category of either smooth, rough, hard, or soft.

* Students correctly sorts 1- 2 of the 6 objects into correct category of either smooth, rough, hard, or soft.

Instructional Activity:

1. Teacher will begin lesson by telling students that today we are going to sort different objects by a single attribute. Teacher will have all boys stand on one side of the class and the girls stand on the other side of the class. Teacher will ask how did she use a single attribute to sort the class. Students will respond with teacher's guidance that one group is boys and one group is girls. Teacher will ask students for other ways to sort students, for example short pants/long pants, color of shirts, types of shoes, hair color and length.

2. Teacher will tell students they are going to sort objects into groups of either smooth, rough, hard, or soft. Teacher will have students suggests items in classroom that would go into each group. For example a crayon/smooth, a stuffed animal/soft, etc.

3. Teacher will pair students with a partner and give each partner a bag containing 6 objects, and each a piece of paper. Then teacher will draw on board a piece of paper divided into 4 sections and label each section using smooth, rough, hard, or soft. Teacher will instruct students to make their paper look like the one the teacher has drawn on the board. Students will read words with teacher. Teacher will monitor students while they are doing this and assist them if they need help.

4. Teacher will review with students about how to sort objects and to use their hands to help them decide how the objects feel. Then teacher will instruct students to sort items in bag and record on their paper by drawing a picture or writing the name of object under the correct category. Teacher will walk around room and monitor and assist students as needed.

5. If a group finishes early they may trade with another group that is finished their bag of objects and sort them. They may also see if they can find other items in the class that would go into each group. Students may also work on computer on program Science Blaster for First Grade.

6. When all students are finished, the groups will take turns sharing their findings. Teacher will lead students in a discussion about the objects to see if anyone will suggest that some objects could possibly go into more than one group.

7. Teacher will take up student's papers to be assessed and the bags of objects.