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Activities |
Sorting
Sorting and classification are important skills that help gather and
organize data. In this activity, students develop their own systems
for classifying stamps by sorting them into different categories.
Objective
After completing this lesson, students will be able to:
- Observe similarities and differences among stamp
characteristics
- Sort and classify stamps into meaningful categories based on
common characteristics
- Explain the criteria they used to sort and categorize the
stamps
- Recognize the validity of the classification systems their
classmates developed
Materials
Procedure
- Divide students into small groups. Give each group a pile of
cancelled stamps.
- Instruct students to sort their pile of stamps into 3-6
categories. Each group should come up with their own method of
categorizing the stamps. They may choose to create categories
based on color, shape, value, size, or subject, among other
things.
- Invite students to present their categories to the class and
explain why they chose to sort their stamps the way they did.
Variations & Extensions
- For younger students, suggest that students group their stamps by
using the pictures on the stamps. For very young students, the
teacher may want to provide containers marked with categories (for
example: flowers, people, animals, hearts).
- Use this lesson to introduce the scientific concept of
classification. Explain that, in the same way that they developed
a system to categorize and classify stamps, biologists have a
system that classifies every living organism.
- Create a dichotomous key using stamps. Start with a pile of stamps
and ask students to divide the stamps into two groups using an
observable characteristic (for example: U.S. Stamps/ vs. foreign
stamps). Continue to divide the stamps, using different
characteristics, until only one stamp remains in each group.
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Graphing
Graphs are useful tools for interpreting data and making
comparisons. This lesson provides students with a hands-on
opportunity to learn about collecting and interpreting data.
Objective
After completing this lesson, students will be able to:
- Count, sort, and classify stamps
- Gather and record data
- Construct a bar graph
- Analyze and interpret data by using a bar graph
Materials
- Cancelled stamps
- Graph paper
- Writing utensils (pencils, crayons, or markers)
Procedure
- Divide students into small groups and give each group a pile
of stamps.
- Instruct students to sort their stamps into categories by
using the pictures on the stamps. Some possible categories might
include: animals, people, flags, plants, and transportation.
- Have each group create a bar graph that illustrates the number
of stamps they have in each category.
- Ask students to share their results and compare results with
other groups.
Variations & Extensions
- Combine the results from each group to create a graph together as
a whole class.
- Ask students to estimate the total number of stamps, or how many
stamps they have in each category, before they count the exact
number.
- Expand this lesson to include probability and ratio. Compare
the number of flag stamps (for example) to the total number of
stamps, or to the number of stamps in another category. What is
the probability of randomly selecting a flag stamp? What is the
probability of randomly selecting another type of stamp?
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Writing
Writing is an important communication skill. Students will have the
opportunity to use their writing skills in this activity.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, students will be able to:
- Write about a subject pictured on a stamp
Materials
- Cancelled stamps
- Resources for conducting research
Procedure
Choose a topic that your students are studying, such as African
Americans, Flowering Plants, Presidents, or Foreign Countries.
Place stamps about the topic(s) you choose into a grab bag and
have each student select a stamp. The subject of the selected
stamp will be the student’s topic for the research project or
writing activity.
Variations & Extensions
- Have younger students create a simple, three-sentence story,
using stamps in place of some words, like a rebus. For example, in
the sentence “The flower is pretty,” the student would use a stamp
with a picture of a flower, instead of writing out the word.
- Ask students to prepare and present an oral report about their
topic to the class.
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Estimation
People use estimation skills in everyday life in order to make
educated predictions and decisions. In this lesson, students will
gain practice with estimating quantity.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, students will be able to:
- Define the term “estimate”
- Estimate the number of stamps in a container
- Compare estimation to actual number of stamps in container
Materials
- Cancelled stamps
- Zip lock sandwich bags, or other small, clear containers that
can be sealed
- Paper and writing implements
Procedure
- Define the term “estimate” (a guess or judgment based on one’s
impression or observation).
- Distribute clear containers filled with cancelled stamps.
- Students may work as individuals, or in groups. Ask students
to estimate the number of stamps they have, without opening their
containers.
- Instruct students to write down their estimates. Then have
students open the containers and count the actual number of
stamps. Students should compare the actual number to their
estimates.
Variations & Extensions
- Use a large container of stamps
and make this a classroom activity. Each student estimates how
many stamps are in the container. Have a contest to see whose
estimate is the closest to the actual number of stamps. To count
the actual number of stamps, divide the stamps among the class and
have each student count a portion. Add the results to get the
total number.
- Use stamps as a non-standard
measuring tool to estimate length and distance. Estimate and
measure the lengths of various classroom objects, using stamps.
- Have students estimate how many
stamps it will take to cover a particular surface area, or fill a
particular area, and then test these predictions.
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