Kindergarten Science and Math Connection

In Adrienne's kindergarten class they have been learning a great deal about seeds and what they do for plants and humans.  It is the basis of the classroom inquiry project that her children have been exploring about.  As they move through this inquiry, they are also beginning to learn about graphing and sorting as they are covering Data Management right now.  

At one of her centres Adrienne created a t-chart with two headings "Seeds" and "No Seeds"  Using flyers from local grocery stores the children cut out different objects and place them under the correct heading.  Not only were they sorting objects into two groups they were deepening their knowledge about what things have seeds and what don't and also working on their fine motor skills by cutting.

Graph Mats

In the primary grades, sorting is such an important part of not only Data Management but Patterning as well.  How do we help our young learners become better sorters?  Why not give them a sorting mat!  These sorting mats were finds from the local dollar store.  In addition to the plastic that they sit on, I also purchased black electrical tape to make the actual lines on the mat.  The mats are hard plastic and are about 11x17.  If your dollar store does not have them, then you can use cookie sheets or a large plastic tray.  For a large size of any of the mats use coloured duct tape and plastic shower curtains (also from the dollar store) for mats that are big enough for the children to stand on.

For sorting items into two groups.

For sorting or graphing items into 4 groups.

The classic T-chart.

For sorting items into three groups.