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Home » Early Years Science » Make a Toy Sorter – filter science activity

Make a Toy Sorter – filter science activity

Modified: Feb 27, 2023 · Published: Feb 8, 2012 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · 20 Comments

Today we are looking at filtering. Instead of using a standard sieve or colander and sieving foodstuffs I thought we’d use toys to make a fun toy sorter filter!

cardboard box with square holes cut into it to be used as a DIY toy sorter.

How to make your own toy sorter

We found some old cardboard boxes and cut different sized holes in each one. Then I asked the children to find me lots of different sized toys. We talked about what we thought would happen and which toys would fit through the different boxes.

Then we filtered the toys, starting with the box with the largest holes.

toy filer made from a cardboard box with square holes cut into it

The toys were separated into three piles. The middle two piles looked very similar in size. We discussed why this might be and decided the shape of the toy and the angle it was at when being filtered would affect whether it passed through the hole.

How does a toy sorter work?

Today’s science investigation was very simple, but the concept of size and separating by size is quite important for young children to grasp. 

You could try getting children to line up objects in order of size and shape before filtering and asking them to predict what will happen.

More Easy Science for Kids

Learn more about filtering by cleaning water by filtration

Try one of our easy Early Years science experiments! We’ve got Pirate, Under the Sea, People Who Help Us and Fairy Tale-themed activities.

Lots of toy bricks and a DIY filter made from a cardboard box

Last Updated on February 27, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

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Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. sunnymama

    February 09, 2012 at 5:24 am

    This is a great idea and it looks fun too! 🙂

    Reply
    • ScienceSparks

      February 11, 2012 at 9:30 am

      Thank you. It was lots of fun. x

      Reply
  2. Multiple Mummy

    February 09, 2012 at 10:29 am

    Genius Idea! I am so impressed!

    Reply
    • ScienceSparks

      February 11, 2012 at 9:30 am

      Awww, thanks lovely. xx

      Reply
  3. Rebecca

    February 09, 2012 at 11:10 am

    Great idea. What a fun way to introduce this concept. Makes it more relevant.

    Reply
    • ScienceSparks

      February 11, 2012 at 9:30 am

      Thanks Rebecca.

      Reply
  4. sherri

    February 10, 2012 at 11:47 pm

    Great idea!
    I love it!

    Reply
    • ScienceSparks

      February 11, 2012 at 9:30 am

      Thank you, so glad you like it.

      Reply
  5. Multiple Mummy

    February 12, 2012 at 11:01 am

    Genius! Pinning it!

    Thanks for linking to Family Frolics.
    MM
    xx
    🙂

    Reply
  6. Mary

    February 12, 2012 at 5:02 pm

    Great idea!

    Reply
  7. Kim

    February 13, 2012 at 1:07 am

    Love this! It would be a good exercise for semi-permeable membranes as well.

    Reply
  8. Carrie

    February 13, 2012 at 3:39 am

    What a great lesson! Thank you for sharing it at Sharing Saturday!!

    Reply
  9. maggy,red ted art

    February 16, 2012 at 6:51 pm

    Looks like a great fun idea! Simple and effective!

    Thank you for sharing on Kids Get Crafty!

    Maggy

    Reply
    • ScienceSparks

      February 17, 2012 at 9:10 am

      Thanks Maggy. They just thought their caterpillars were new toys and were so pleased with them. x

      Reply
  10. Elouise

    March 08, 2017 at 9:38 pm

    FINALLY someone who has the same opinion as me… “The bare and haunting instrumental was the best aspect of â€â1grantallearaœ€&#822T;so true!!!! i absolutely LOVE the instrumental it just LACK the awesome lyrics to fit the epic instrumental…

    Reply
  11. amore

    August 24, 2017 at 10:28 am

    water is used for what? i need the answer for our term paper. thanks

    Reply

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