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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Sorting again and again!

Students will discover that beans have many attributes and they will sort them accordingly.

A lesson plan for grade 1 Mathematics

By Melanie Kush

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Learning outcomes

The learner will demonstrate the concept of sorting using a variety of beans. This will be practiced several times to identify different attributes.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

1 hour

Materials/resources

  • 1 bag each of the following: dried kidney beans, black-eyed peas, popcorn kernels, sunflower seeds, and lima beans.
  • 1 plastic cup for each pair of students
  • notebook paper and a pencil

Pre-activities

Previous discussion of the rules of sorting will be necessary. Teacher and students can find similarities and differences in the students in the classroom (recognizing size, shape, color etc.)

Activities

  1. Review concepts of sorting by listing ways to characterize objects.
  2. Pair students up and give each group a cup containing a mixture of the beans.
  3. Students draw two large circles on their paper and discuss a way to sort the beans into two groups using all of the beans.
  4. Label each circle and sort.
  5. Ask for a volunteer to demonstrate how their beans were sorted. This gives an opportunity to check for student understanding.
  6. Put all beans back into the cup.
  7. On the back of the paper, draw two new circles and decide on a way to sort them that was completely different from the way they did before.
  8. Label the circles and sort.
  9. Discuss the outcomes as a group recognizing the similarities and differences in answers.
  10. As a challenge, students draw three circles on one side of the paper and devise a way to sort them according to three attributes.
  11. Discuss the results as a whole group.

Assessment

Evaluation based on teacher observation during hands-on activities. Collect written work showing the attributes that they have chosen.

Supplemental information

Comments

This activity is good for reviewing the topic of sorting.

North Carolina curriculum alignment

Mathematics (2004)

Grade 1

  • Goal 5: Algebra - The learner will demonstrate an understanding of classification and patterning.

  • Common Core State Standards

    • Mathematics (2010)

      • Grade 1

        • Geometry
          • 1.G.1Distinguish between defining attributes (e.g., triangles are closed and three-sided) versus non-defining attributes (e.g., color, orientation, overall size) ; build and draw shapes to possess defining attributes.