Tidy and Sort

Age range

5-7 years

Science topic

Materials

Type of enquiry

Problem solving

This publication provides an opportunity for children to investigate a variety of 'mixtures', and how they are best separated. The activities are put in context using a storybook, in which two sisters are presented with tubs of mixed objects to sort out. One of the sisters always wants to find the easiest and more exciting way to sort the objects, and the other sister begins to use the same approach.

A class set of the accompanying storybooks, providing a valuable link with literacy, can be purchased from our Online Store for £13.50 (including P&P).

Please note: The activities can be carried out without the storybooks.

Download the full resource:

Tidy and Sort Full (PDF , 3,608kb)

Purchase from the online store

Marbles and Lego

Science topic: Materials
Type of enquiry: Problem solving
Keywords: materials, KS1, separating materials, properties of materials, identifying and classifying, everyday material, glass, plastic

Sorting marbles and bricks by rolling the marbles away from the Lego.

Paper clips and stamps

Science topic: Materials
Type of enquiry: Problem solving
Keywords: materials, KS1, separating materials, properties of materials, magnetism, everyday materials, metal, paper, magnet

Collecting paper-clips with a magnet from a tub which also contains stamps.

Rice and sand

Science topic: Materials
Type of enquiry: Problem solving
Keywords: materials, KS1, separating materials, properties of materials, sieving, sand, everyday materials

Sieving rice from a mixture of rice and sand.

Cutlery from ice

Science topic: Materials
Type of enquiry: Problem solving
Keywords: materials, KS1, separating materials, properties of materials, melting, everyday materials, water, ice, metal, solid, liquids

Melting ice to remove plastic cutlery trapped inside.

Muddy water

Science topic: Materials
Type of enquiry: Problem solving
Keywords: materials, KS1, separating materials, properties of materials, filtration, everyday materials, rocks, soil, sieving, solids, liquids, filters

Improving the clarity of ‘muddy’ water by filtration.

Partners

Supported by ExxonMobil Chemical.‎‎‎‎