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Make a Toy Sorter

By 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

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

    Reply

    • ScienceSparks

      Thank you. It was lots of fun. x

      Reply

  2. Multiple Mummy

    Genius Idea! I am so impressed!

    Reply

    • ScienceSparks

      Awww, thanks lovely. xx

      Reply

  3. Rebecca

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

    Reply

    • ScienceSparks

      Thanks Rebecca.

      Reply

  4. sherri

    Great idea!
    I love it!

    Reply

    • ScienceSparks

      Thank you, so glad you like it.

      Reply

  5. Multiple Mummy

    Genius! Pinning it!

    Thanks for linking to Family Frolics.
    MM
    xx
    🙂

    Reply

  6. Mary

    Great idea!

    Reply

  7. Kim

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

    Reply

  8. Carrie

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

    Reply

  9. maggy,red ted art

    Looks like a great fun idea! Simple and effective!

    Thank you for sharing on Kids Get Crafty!

    Maggy

    Reply

    • ScienceSparks

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

      Reply

  10. Elouise

    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

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

    Reply

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