LTSS Lesson 6 Getting Sorted Title Page

Why did they not believe him? How did they decide which group of animals to put it in? Optional hook for the lesson related to the reasoning pattern. For example it could be an animal which is difficult to classify using standard model, duck billed platypus, mudskipper.

30 second challenge How many devices can you think of that you can use to take a photo? There is a prize if you can name more than 15 in 30 seconds.

Sorting a Range of Technology Sort the devices into sensible groups and give each one a name. What variables are you using to help you do this? How are you going to convince the rest of the class that your system is the best? Prepare your present your ideas to the class. There are no wrong answers only if the group do not have clear characteristics.

Sorting chemicals Read the work card carefully – check if you are not sure what to do. Use scrap paper to put the chemicals into sensible tables as you sort them. Make sure you talk about the questions in bold. Again there are no wrong answers only if the group do not have clear characteristics. Start the activity with classifying by observing their characteristics. After a discussion of the range of answers move onto classifying by solubility. The usual health and safety issues apply. After a discussion of the range of answers, finally use both characteristics to divide the chemicals into 4 groups.

Sorting in the lab. Read the work card carefully – check if you are not sure what to do. What good ideas can you come up with to help sort the equipment in the cupboard? Again there are no wrong answers only if the group do not have clear characteristics. This is the most difficult of the tasks but it produces a rich range of problems related to classification and a rich range of solutions.

Review We have sorted lots of different things today. Think carefully about what you did and what you spent most time talking about. Use the questions below to reflect upon this lesson. Which activity was the most difficult and why? Which objects were in more than one group and what does this tell you about how scientists group things? Who said something really good today? Can you think of ways in your life where the thinking today could be helpful? As an individual response ask which activity was the most difficult with reasons. Link back to your hook. Provide an topical/interesting to think about for the next lesson on classification.

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