How can objects be sorted?
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standards:
Algebra: Sort, classify, and order objects by size, number, and other
representational systems
This activity helps students identify and sort materials for different
acitivities.
Activity - It Goes Where?
miscellaneous sports equipment, miscellaneous classroom items,
miscellaneous items used for lunch, three large boxes or buckets
Pre-Lesson Instructions:
- Prior to this activity, collect the following. These items will be
used for sorting. Place the items in a large box or area in the
classroom.
- Different sports equipment (football, soccer ball, pads, shoes,
baseball, bats, helmets, etc.)
- Plastic play food, empty food boxes or cans, paper plates, plastic
utensils, etc., that could be used during lunch
- Find a variety of items used in the classroom (pencils, crayons,
paper, scissors, etc.).
- Label each large box or bucket with one of the following.
- Divide the class into three groups.
- Review the idea of sorting by watching the video newsbreak
"How can objects be sorted?"
- Discuss times and situations when students have sorted items. What
criteria have they used to sort these things? Why was sorting necessary?
- Explain that the boxes/buckets represent containers for sorting. Each
container will be stocked with items for a particular job and each group
will be stocking its own container.
- Assign each group to a different container.
- Explain that the group must work together to sort all of the items
from the miscellaneous box that would be used in their group's container.
- Allow the class three minutes to complete this activity.
- Ask the groups to show each item and explain why they picked it
for their box.
- Are there items that could fit in multiple boxes? Why?
Extension:
Have the students draw a picture of a specific room from home,
labeling each item in the room. Share the drawing, and discuss how
different rooms have different items depending on the purpose of the
room. Extend this thought to a grocery store or department store.
How is sorting used to organize these stores? Why is it important
for stores to be organized.
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