Card Sort
Person writing on sticky notes (Canva)
Person writing on sticky notes (Canva)
Format
How does this align with my curriculum?
PE
9
Science Grade 9 (revised 2018)
Decisions and Perspectives
PE
10
Science 421A (2019)
Decisions and Perspectives
PE
12
Chemistry 621A (draft 2021)
Decisions and Perspectives DP1
PE
11
Chemistry 521A (draft 2021)
Decisions and Perspectives DP1
This learning strategy helps students sort and categorize concepts based on meaning.
Why use it?
- To enhance critical thinking skills
- To test prior knowledge when introducing a new topic
- To consolidate knowledge on a particular topic
- To check students’ understanding of STEM concepts or a topic
Tips for success
- Prepare enough card sets for each pair or group of students in your class.
How do I use it?
- Select the concepts or terms that you would like students to learn or work with. Create a card for each concept or term.
- Ask students to sort the cards into meaningful groups. Model how to explain thinking aloud to promote respectful discussion (e.g., I think this card should go in this pile because… I agree because… I disagree because…).
- Ask students to discuss the categories. Invite them to explain why they sorted the cards the way they did. Make connections between similarities and differences between how different groups sorted the cards.
Variations
- With younger students, you could ask them to sort cards with images or photos instead of cards with text.
- Instead of providing the terms and concepts, you could give students blank cards and ask them to brainstorm concepts and then sort them.
Extensions
- Ask students to re-sort the cards after the first discussion. Would they change any of the categories? Why or why not?