Sorting Information
After collecting information, we can organise it by putting similar things together. This is called sorting.
Sorting makes information easier to count, compare and understand.
Learning Objectives
- Understand what sorting means.
- Group similar objects or information together.
- Count objects in different groups.
- Compare simple groups.
Understanding Sorting
We can sort things by looking for something they have in common. For example, fruits can be sorted by type.
The fruits can be sorted into apple, banana and orange groups.
Sorting into Groups
When we sort objects, similar objects are placed in the same group.
Now it is easier to see which group has the most objects and which group has the fewest.
Sorting by Different Properties
Objects can be sorted in different ways. We can sort objects by colour, type, size or another simple property.
- Red objects and blue objects.
- Big objects and small objects.
- Pencils and books.
- Apples and bananas.
The way we sort depends on what we want to find out.
Comparing Groups
Once information is sorted, we can count each group and compare the numbers.
There are more red objects than blue objects.
Common Mistakes
- Do not put an object into the wrong group.
- Do not forget to count every object.
- Use the same sorting rule for all objects.
Practice
1. What does sorting mean?
2. Name one way to sort objects.
3. Why do we sort information?
4. If one group has 5 objects and another has 2, which group has more?
Try It Yourself
Collect ten small objects around you. Sort them into two or three groups using one simple rule, such as colour or type. Count the objects in each group.
Quick Revision
- Sorting means putting similar things into groups.
- Objects can be sorted by colour, type, size or another property.
- Sorting makes information easier to understand.
- We can count and compare sorted groups.
Next Step
Now that you know how to sort information, the next lesson will show you how to organise information clearly in a simple table.