Classification is Group Things by Characteristics

Kids start classifying things are  very early ages. They learn to group their shoes. They learn that a pair of shoes has two different types of shoes–a left and a right.  They are shown pictures and ask to match things that are alike, such as the flowers in the photo. I see six different flower groups, as shown.

Think About It

What things do you classify in your home?

You sort clean clothes taken from the dryer. Kids learn to group  clothes–there are different sizes and types of towels. Some towels are used in the kitchen and some in the bathroom.

Look in your kitchen cabinets–any classifying here? I stack plates and saucers separately–do you? I have a plastic container that allows me to sort flatware–knives, forks, and spoons in separate places.

Biological classification is often one of the not so fun science topics because the science names are often difficult. But, as homeschool instructors, you have the perfect opportunity to be creative in teaching this topic. I’ll share ideas with you. I hope that you will provide me with your own creative ideas.

Do you have no-match sock box?

If you have unmatched socks, now you can use them for a science activity. Dump the socks on table or floor where the kids can easily sort them. The total group of socks will be called the SOCK KINGDOM.

Dividing the Sock Kingdom

1. Divide the sock kingdom into two groups (you may use more than two groups if you wish). These groups can be Male Sock and Female Socks or any two characteristics that you choose.White Socks and Colored Socks.

2. Divide each of the two groups into two groups, then then divide each of these groups into two more groups and so on.

We would decide on a characteristic for dividing the socks into two groups –maybe male and female socks. These groups could be divided into two separate groups, and these groups divided into two separate groups and so on until each sock is in a group all by itself. This last group would be called SPECIES. The sock in this group has characteristics unlike any other sock in the box.

For more information, Search for  Classification on this website:

http://scienceprojectideasforkids.com/

Janice VanCleave’s Teaching the Fun of Science to Young Learners: Grades Pre-K through ?? Written for young children, but the science process skills are applicable for all ages.