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!
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.
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.
Last Updated on February 27, 2023 by Emma Vanstone
This is a great idea and it looks fun too! 🙂
Thank you. It was lots of fun. x
Genius Idea! I am so impressed!
Awww, thanks lovely. xx
Great idea. What a fun way to introduce this concept. Makes it more relevant.
Thanks Rebecca.
Great idea!
I love it!
Thank you, so glad you like it.
Genius! Pinning it!
Thanks for linking to Family Frolics.
MM
xx
🙂
Great idea!
Love this! It would be a good exercise for semi-permeable membranes as well.
What a great lesson! Thank you for sharing it at Sharing Saturday!!
Looks like a great fun idea! Simple and effective!
Thank you for sharing on Kids Get Crafty!
Maggy
Thanks Maggy. They just thought their caterpillars were new toys and were so pleased with them. x
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