Categorising and Sequencing involves students sorting mixed items into their correct category or order of occurrence.
Instructions
- Provide students with a chart or diagram with different categories or steps and a list of items that belong in those categories, mixed-up.
- Give students time to sort the items into their categories or steps.
- Have the students share their answers and correct any misconceptions.
Resources
- A worksheet or digital option with a category chart/diagram.
- A selection of items that belong in the categories or sequence.
Variations
- Make it an individual or group activity: Students could work by themselves, with a partner, in a small group, or together as a class.
- Make it a “defining features matrix”: Pick two distinct but similar concepts that students may get confused between. Have them sort items into the correct categories and have a third category for things that are true of both concepts.
- Make it a card sorting exercise: Put the items on separate cards as opposed to a list, so students can physically move them into place. This may be particularly beneficial if students are working collaboratively with a large number of items, or with concepts that are more ambiguous or complex. This will allow students to easily split the items between the concepts and move the items between categories if they change their mind.