Show the Simulation Grouping Objects in Different Ways.

Ask students to suggest a way of sorting the objects shown.

Help students realize that one way the objects can be sorted is by color, according to which ones are red, blue, or green. Explain that color is a “property” of an object. Explain that the objects can also be sorted by size, according to whether they are small, medium, or large. Explain that size is another property of an object. The objects can also be sorted by shape, according to whether they are a square, triangle, or circle. Explain that shape is also a property of an object.

After going through the simulation, explain that objects have other properties in addition to their size, shape, and color. Objects may be hard or soft, rough or smooth, shiny or dull, flexible or rigid, able to absorb water, or have other properties.

Explain that what an object is made from is also one of its properties. An object may be stone, wood, metal, cloth, plastic, glass, rubber, or something else.