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    Home » Make a Toy Sorter

    Make a Toy Sorter

    February 8, 2012 By Emma Vanstone 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!

    Filtering experiment - make a 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.

    filtering experiment - make a toy sorter

    The toys 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?

    Todays 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 ask 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.

    toy filter - science activity #scienceforkids

    Last Updated on May 2, 2020 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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