A Classifying Activity SEASHELLS A Classifying Activity

Classifying This is an activity that provides an opportunity to apply classification as an inquiry skill. Be sure you have read the Science Processes material before starting. Complete each slide before moving to the next and answer all questions posed in the activity.

Materials For this activity you will need: seashells writing materials good observation skills

Step 1 Observe the shells. Are there different kinds represented? How might you group them? By color? By size? Or by some other characteristic?

Step 2 These shells are all the same color. But do they really belong together? Did the same kind of animal make them?

Step 3 These shells are all darker and multi-colored. Do they belong together? Do you think the same kind of animal made these?

Step 4 Observe this group. Although their colors are different do they share a common characteristic?

Step 5 What common characteristic do you see in this group?

Step 6 Both of these pictures are of the same set of shells. Do they belong to the same group? Which two share a common trait? Find shells like these in your set and compare them.

Step 7 Notice that some of your shells are actually half shells and will fit together. These two pictures are of the same shells open and closed.

Step 8 Other shells are of one piece. In the bottom picture you can see inside. Find shells like these in your set and compare them.

Step 9 Post answers to the following questions: What separates classifying from simple grouping? Identify three ways you might group the shells. From the two major classifications represented in your set, select one and identify a way that a sub-group might be classified.

The activity is finished so sit back and enjoy the tour!

Hope you enjoyed the trip! Click to end the program…or let Jimmy finish his song.