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Classify (Science)

Key Stage 1

Meaning

To classify is to put objects into groups with similar properties.

Singular Noun: Classification
Plural Noun: Classifications
Verb: To classify

About Classification

When we put things in groups we are classifying them.
We put things in groups because it helps us organise the world.

Examples

BrickPile.png
BlocksShapeColour.png
AnimalsSort.png
A builder classifies their bricks by colour and puts them into piles. A child classified their blocks by shape and colour and arranged them in rows and columns. A student classified animals by the sounds they made.

Key Stage 2

Meaning

To classify is to put objects, materials and living things into groups with similar features or properties.

About Classification

Classification helps us organise the world into meaningful groups. If I wanted to make a sword I might use Iron, but if I didn't have any Iron I couldn't make a sword out of brick, so I would look for another material that is classified as a 'metal' because it has similar properties to Iron.
Classifying things helps us identify them. If I'm not sure what something is, I can look at its features or properties to classify it.

Examples

Which is the correct classification of a Bat?

This Bat has wings, fur, feeds its young with milk and does not lay eggs.
Robin.png
Frog.png
Birds have feathers and lay eggs. Amphibians can survive under water and on land and lay soft eggs.
Reptile.png
Fox.png
Reptiles has dry scales and lay eggs. Mammals have fur and feed their young with milk.

How would you classify the material that this sword is made from?

This sword is hard, shiny and opaque.
TyreRubber.png
Wood.png
Rubber is a stretchy, bendy, opaque and waterproof material. Wood is a hard, opaque and bendy material that grows inside trees.
Metal.png
CupGlass.png
Metal is a hard, smooth, shiny, bendy and opaque material. Glass is a hard, smooth, shiny, transparent, firm and stiff material.