Basic Categorization Practice: See, Touch and Discover
Students rely on their sense of touch to identify objects around themCopyright Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8340/8204296725_c1dc8edb0b_b.jpg
Student teams identify and categorize various objects using their senses of touch and sight. One student chooses five objects for his/her blindfolded partner to describe and identify based solely on touch. Then they switch. Both students record their observations, describing the objects as: human-made or natural, living or non-living, as well as any other physical/sensory characteristics. Students become familiar with different classification systems and sharpen their vocabulary to describe the physical characteristics of different objects. They learn why engineers have a need to categorize materials.
Materials scientists and engineers use a complex system of categorization and naming based on the properties of materials. Physical properties can be seen, while chemical properties are more difficult to understand. Knowing the properties and characteristics of materials helps engineers understand and choose suitable materials for products and projects.
- Build observation skills by using tactile perception to describe and distinguish objects.
- How to categorize and sort objects in a logical fashion.