You will learn
- Compare two objects using several properties.
- Use comparison words.
- Sort objects by one property.
- Explain how two objects are alike and different.
Version 0.2 · expanded edition · built from cited public sources Content is based on the official frameworks and sources listed under Sources and standards. No official endorsement is claimed. Written in the style of common primary school assessments. No exam result is promised.
Student lesson
- We compare using properties.
- Words like bigger, smaller, heavier and lighter help.
- We find how things are alike and different.
- Comparing helps us sort and choose.
Words to know
to find how things are alike and different
what an object is like
having more mass
how a surface feels
1. Discover: The two shells
Kayode has two shells. One is big, white and smooth. The other is small, brown and rough. “They are both shells,” he says. “But one is bigger, one is smoother and one is darker.”
Think: How are the shells alike and different?
2. Understand: Comparing
Idea 1: Properties
A property is something about an object: size, shape, colour, texture, mass. We use properties to compare objects.
Idea 2: Comparison words
Use words such as bigger, smaller, longer, shorter, heavier, lighter, rougher, smoother. Say how the objects are alike as well as different.
Idea 3: Sorting
We sort objects by one property at a time, such as colour or size. Sorting helps us see patterns and choose the right object for a job.
3. Worked examples
Example 1 (I show you): Compare
A pencil and a crayon.
- Both are long and thin.
- The pencil is harder.
- The crayon is softer.
Answer: Both are long and thin but the pencil is harder.
Example 2 (We do it together): Heavier or lighter?
A book and a sheet of paper.
- Hold both.
- The book is heavier.
- The paper is lighter.
Answer: The book is heavier than the paper.
Example 3 (You try): Sort
Buttons.
Show the steps and answer
- By colour.
- By size.
- By holes.
Answer: We can sort buttons by colour, size or holes.
Did you know?
The tiny and the huge can look alike: a leaf from a tree and a leaf from a bush may be the same shape but different sizes.
Why this matters
Comparing helps us choose the best object for each job.
4. Explore: Compare two objects
Pick two similar objects and compare them.
- Choose two shells, leaves or stones.
- Write three ways they are alike.
- Write three ways they are different.
- Use comparison words.
Think about it: what did you notice?
What did you notice? Careful comparing shows small differences.
5. Practise
Say it in a sentence
Use these starters when you talk about the lesson. Say them out loud.
- They are both ___.
- One is ___ than the other.
- They are alike because ___.
- They are different because ___.
Guided practice
Question 1. What is a property?
What an object is like.
Question 2. What does heavier mean?
More mass.
Question 3. Name a comparison word.
Bigger or smaller.
Independent practice
Level 1: Start
- What is a property?
- What does heavier mean?
- Name a comparison word.
- What do we say about alike things?
- Can we sort by colour?
Level 2: Grow
- Compare a pencil and a crayon.
- Name two properties.
- Why compare?
Level 3: Stretch
- Compare two leaves in three ways.
- Sort ten objects by one property.
- Explain why comparing helps choose.
Answers are in the answer key below. Try first, then check.
6. Apply: Science in everyday life
What do you compare when shopping?
Show a sample answer
Size, price and quality.
Another one. Tell a family member one thing from this lesson. Use the words you learned.
Show a sample answer
A clear sentence that uses at least one word from Words to know.
7. Common mistakes
Fix: It includes likenesses.
Fix: Not always.
8. Lesson summary and revision card
- I can compare two objects using several properties.
- I can use comparison words.
- I can sort objects by one property.
- I can explain how two objects are alike and different.
9. Check and master
Answer all 14 questions. You will see feedback after each one.
Your result appears here after you answer every question.
10. Key takeaways
- We compare using properties.
- Words like bigger, smaller, heavier and lighter help.
- We find how things are alike and different.
- Comparing helps us sort and choose.
11. Next lesson
Exam practice
These questions are written in the style of common school and international primary assessments. Try them on your own, without looking back. Then check your answers in the marking guide. The marks are shown in brackets.
- Name three properties. [3 marks]
- Compare two objects. [3 marks]
- What does lighter mean? [1 mark]
- Sort five objects by size. [2 marks]
- Why do we compare? [2 marks]
Total: 11 marks.
Marking guide and model answers
- Any three [1 each]
- Alike [1]; different [1]; comparison word [1]
- Less mass [1]
- Order [1]; reason [1]
- Choose [1]; see patterns [1]
Score guide: 10 to 11 = secure. 7 to 9 = nearly there, revise the parts you missed. Under 7 = work through the lesson again with a grown-up.
Printable worksheet
- What is a property?
- What does heavier mean?
- Name a comparison word.
- What do we say about alike things?
- Can we sort by colour?
- Compare a pencil and a crayon.
- Name two properties.
- Why compare?
- Compare two leaves in three ways.
- Sort ten objects by one property.
Homework
Find two objects at home. Compare them in five ways and draw them.
Answer key and marking scheme
| Question | Expected response | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1. What is a property? | What an object is like. | 1 |
| 2. What does heavier mean? | More mass. | 1 |
| 3. Name a comparison word. | Bigger or smaller. | 1 |
| 4. What do we say about alike things? | They share properties. | 1 |
| 5. Can we sort by colour? | Yes. | 1 |
| 6. Compare a pencil and a crayon. | Both thin; pencil harder. | 1 |
| 7. Name two properties. | Colour and size. | 1 |
| 8. Why compare? | To choose the best object. | 1 |
| 9. Compare two leaves in three ways. | Three comparisons. | 1 |
| 10. Sort ten objects by one property. | A sorted set. | 1 |
| Total | 10 |
Independent practice answers. Level 1: 1 What an object is like.; 2 More mass.; 3 Bigger or smaller.; 4 They share properties.; 5 Yes.. Level 2: 1 Both thin; pencil harder.; 2 Colour and size.; 3 To choose the best object.. Level 3: 1 Three comparisons.; 2 A sorted set.; 3 The right object for the job..
Quiz answers: 1 B, 2 C, 3 A, 4 B, 5 C, 6 A, 7 B, 8 C, 9 A, 10 B, 11 C, 12 A, Challenge 1 B, Challenge 2 C.
Mastery and remediation
| Objective | Bronze (Developing) | Silver (Proficient) | Gold (Advanced) |
|---|---|---|---|
| O1 Compare two objects using several properties | Shows this with help from an adult or a picture | Does this independently and explains how they know | Explains it clearly and uses it in a new situation |
| O2 Use comparison words | Shows this with help from an adult or a picture | Does this independently and explains how they know | Explains it clearly and uses it in a new situation |
| O3 Sort objects by one property | Shows this with help from an adult or a picture | Does this independently and explains how they know | Explains it clearly and uses it in a new situation |
| O4 Explain how two objects are alike and different | Shows this with help from an adult or a picture | Does this independently and explains how they know | Explains it clearly and uses it in a new situation |
Courseversity badge thresholds (overall quiz score): Gold = 90–100%; Silver = 80–89.9%; Bronze = 70–79.9%. A badge is never a full record of progress.
If a learner struggles
- Find the misconception: “Comparing is only about differences.” It includes likenesses.
- Explain another way: use real objects, pictures or actions first, then words.
- Show a simpler example: Compare two objects aloud.
- Guided practice: work through one example together and let the learner try the next one.
- Reassess: use the quiz again or the worksheet.
- Move on when the learner shows Silver-level evidence independently.
For parents and guardians
In this lesson your child learns to compare objects using properties. You do not need to be an expert to help.
- Compare fruits or toys at home.
- Ask, “How are they different?”
- Use the words bigger, smaller and heavier.
- Ask “how do you know?” after each answer, and listen.
- Praise effort, not only right answers. Mistakes are how we learn.
- Ten to fifteen minutes a day is better than one long session.
Teacher package
1–5. Objectives, prerequisites, materials, preparation, duration
Lesson objectives. Learners will: compare two objects using several properties; use comparison words; sort objects by one property; explain how two objects are alike and different.
Prerequisite knowledge. Grade 1 science ideas: looking carefully, using the senses safely and talking about what we notice.
Materials. Pairs of safe objects, a balance or hands, paper and pencils. Low-resource options: use chalk or charcoal on a board or wall, drawings in the sand, and objects from the classroom instead of printed materials.
Preparation. Prepare pairs of objects. Prepare a comparison sheet.
Suggested duration. 45–60 minutes. It can be split into two shorter sessions.
6–9. Teaching procedure, explanation notes, guided and independent activities
Introduction (5 min). Hold up two objects and ask, “How are they alike?”
Explanation (10 min). Teach properties and comparison words.
Guided activity (10 min). Learners compare pairs.
Independent activity (10 min). Learners sort a set.
Assessment and reflection (5 min). Ask each learner to say one thing they learned and how they know it.
Key questions. How are they alike? How are they different?
Teacher explanation notes. Start with real objects and safe, hands-on observation. Then talk about what was seen, then draw and write. Always say “how do you know?”. Keep to the safety notes, and use local, safe materials.
10–12. Differentiation, formative assessment, common misconceptions
Support. Use real objects and pictures, short sentences and a partner. Let learners point, show or draw instead of writing. Extension. Ask learners to find a new example at home and explain how they know.
Formative assessment. Listen to learners read and explain, ask “how do you know?”, and check the independent work.
Misconceptions. “Comparing is only about differences.” It includes likenesses.
13–15. Assessment questions, answer keys, marking scheme
Use the quiz, the 11-mark exam practice and the worksheet on this page. All answers and marking guides are in the answer sections above. Re-check every answer before use.
16–19. Remediation, enrichment, homework, teacher reflection
Remediation. Compare two objects aloud. Enrichment. Look for one new example near your home or school, draw it and explain it to someone. Homework. See above.
Teacher reflection. After teaching, record: which ideas learners understood; which misconceptions occurred; which activities worked; which learners need more practice; and what to improve next time.
Sources and standards
This lesson is based on the sources below, and no official endorsement is claimed. Reference starting points: Next Generation Science Standards, Cambridge Primary Science and the IB Primary Years Programme. Where a standard code is named, it points to the official framework.
Research used to shape this lesson. Courseversity Science curriculum, Grade 2 Unit 1, topic 4; Next Generation Science Standards, science and engineering practices (asking questions, planning and carrying out investigations); Cambridge Primary Science Stage 2, thinking and working scientifically; IB Primary Years Programme, inquiry-based learning. These sources informed the lesson.