Classifying Objects Based on Their Observable Properties

In this lesson, students will develop an understanding that objects and materials have characteristics or properties. Students will be able to recognize similarities between the properties of certain objects and materials and will be able to group the objects based on these similarities.

Students are introduced to the idea that objects and materials have certain “properties” or “characteristics” that can be used to describe them. After working with a simulation to help students understand the meaning of properties and characteristics, students are given a variety of small common objects to sort based on observable properties. Working in groups, students sort objects and record their groupings on an activity sheet. Students are then guided to come up with different criteria for one more set of groupings. Students participate in a class discussion of the different properties used to make the groupings.