Classification of things 'found in the ground'

The ELI 'Found in the ground: sorted!' is an introduction to classification using things found in the ground.

This activity may be used in any lesson where the principles of classification are required. It forms a useful basis for further activities in Earth science. Unless pupils already know some geology, they usually arrange their groups on the basis of colour, ‘shininess’, ‘crystals’ and size of crystals, roughness, obvious fossils. It is important to tell them that they are not ‘wrong’, since they were
asked to devise their own criteria and not to have any preconceived method.
This is one of a growing number of activities in our ELI Early years series.
More ideas can be found on our website.