Grade 5, Chapter 9 Investigation Organizer:
A Class of Bugs
Summary: Scientists organize insects into groups based on their characteristics, such as size, color, and shape. Insects are also grouped by special features. Your group will be organizing things you see or use every day. Group your items by color and size, and then choose two more ways to group what you have collected.
1. Plan It
A. Gather objects. Each group member should bring 5 or 6 things to class to put into groups. Your group will need exactly 24 items.
![[Checkbox]](/math/mathcentral/graphics/chkbx.gif)
Our items gathered
2. Put It Together
A. Group your items.
- Make a list of the different ways your items can be grouped. Think about the different characteristics of the items and how they can be measured or observed.
- Group by color and size.
- Choose two other ways to group your items.
- Make tables as shown on page 327 of the Math Central textbook to show the four groups you will use. You may need eight tables with three items on each. You may also use the Item Grouping Table provided here on Education Place.
- Have each member take turns sorting the items in each group. During each turn, have another person record the data on your tables.
- For each group, write fractions that describe how the items are divided.
Our items grouped and recorded
3. Wrap It Up
Make a circle graph. Use the fractions you've written to plot a circle graph for each group you've created. Plan how you will divide the circle into twenty-four equal parts. Color and label each section of the graphs.
Write a paragraph telling why your group chose these categories for organizing your items.
Graphing completed
4. Discuss Your Results
- Are fractions of sets identified accurately?
- Did you explain clearly why you chose certain groups for your items?
- Are your circle graphs accurate and clearly labeled?
- Did each group member contribute items for your collection?
Review completed
Return to Investigation Page.