Sort It Out!

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
In this activity, learners explore how engineers have developed sorting systems which integrate into manufacturing and packaging processes. Learners explore how coins are made. Then, learners work in teams to design and build a sorting system for different coin sizes or weights. Learners make predictions and evaluate the strategies employed and results achieved by all "engineering" teams.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Student Resource Sheets
  • Student Worksheets
  • Bag of coins of different sizes
  • Glue
  • Tape
  • Paper or plastic plates
  • Cardboard
  • Scissors or hole punch
  • Wood (optional)
  • Foil
  • Paper
  • Cardboard tubes (such as from paper towel or toilet paper rolls)
  • One sample of each coin to be sorted
  • Collection device (paper cup, small box, plastic bag, paper bag)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Manufacturing Engineering
    • Technology
      • Manufacturing
  • The Nature of Science
    • Science as a Career
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Research and Development
      • Invention and Innovation
      • Problem Solving
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Informal Categories

  • Financial Literacy

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, IEEE,