Sieve Science Teacher Guide Sieve Science
Teacher Facilitation Guide
5TH GRADE • MATH & SCIENCE
Learning Objective
Students will apply measurement concepts to the properties of matter and separation. They will determine physical "Threshold Sizes" using diameter measurements and express these as mathematical inequalities.
Lesson Timeline (45-50 Minutes)
10 min Warm-up: Video review & "Pause & Predict" discussion.
20 min Measurement Activity: Data collection with mixed hardware.
10 min Data Analysis: Calculating Threshold Sizes and inequalities.
10 min Design & Extension: Sieve blueprinting and industry mesh discussion.
Materials Needed
Mixed Hardware (washers, nuts, etc.)
Rulers or Calipers (metric)
Particle Profiler Worksheet
Graph Paper
1. Warm-up (Video Analysis)
"Separating Mixtures – Sifting" (0:00 - 2:13)
Play the video for the class. Pause at 1:00 where the mesh is shown close-up.
Key Question:
"How big exactly do the holes in this sieve need to be? If we were engineers building this, what numbers would we need to know?"
2. Measurement Activity
Divide students into groups and provide each with a cup of mixed hardware (at least 2 sizes of washers, 2 sizes of nuts, etc.).
Direct students to identify their Smallest Large Item (the item they want to catch) and their Largest Small Item (the item they want to let through).
Teach/Review: Diameter is the widest distance across the circle. Ensure they measure through the center point.
3. Threshold Size & Inequalities
Introduce the term Threshold Size . It is the range that works for our sieve.
Mathematical Concept
\( \text{Small Item} < \text{Hole} < \text{Large Item} \)
Example
\( 0.5 \text{ cm} < x < 1.0 \text{ cm} \)
Common Misconceptions
Diameter vs Radius
Students may measure from the center to the edge (radius). Emphasize that for a sieve hole, the full width (diameter) must fit the particle.
Exact Match
Students often think the hole must be exactly the size of the small item. Remind them that for flow, the hole must be slightly larger than the small item.
Sifting Solutions Slides Sieve Science
Measurement & Separation
MATH
SCIENCE
The Problem
Embedded media
Pause at 1:00
"Look at the mesh holes. How big exactly do they need to be to work?"
Key Term
SIFTING
Separating solids based on size.
The Mission
01
Measure
Measure the diameter of every piece of hardware in your kit.
02
Analyze
Find the "Threshold": The size that blocks big items but lets small ones through.
03
Design
Draft a blueprint for a sieve that would separate this mixture perfectly.
Threshold Inequalities
The Formula
Small < Hole < Large
Why Greater Than?
The hole must be bigger than the sand so it can fall through.
Why Less Than?
The hole must be smaller than the gravel so it gets trapped.
Standard Mesh Sizes
In industry, sieve holes aren't random. They follow Standard Mesh Numbers .
"The Mesh Number tells you how many holes are in 1 linear inch of the screen."
High Mesh Number = Tiny Holes
Low Mesh Number = Big Holes
Mesh Size (mm) #4 4.75 #10 2.00 #40 0.42
#40 is standard for fine sand!
Particle Profiler Worksheet Particle Profiler
Sieve Science Design Lab
Name:
Date:
Phase 1: Measurement Data
Measure the Diameter (the widest part) of each item in your hardware mixture using your ruler or calipers. Use millimeters (mm).
Item Description Diameter (mm) Category Small / Large Small / Large Small / Large Small / Large Small / Large Small / Large
Phase 2: Threshold Range
Largest Small Item:
______ mm
Smallest Large Item:
______ mm
Mathematical Inequality
Write an inequality showing the range of hole sizes that will work.
_________ < X < _________
(X = HOLE SIZE)
Phase 3: Sieve Design Proof
Draft a blueprint for your sieve mesh. Label the dimensions of the holes based on your data above.
Hole Shape:
Chosen Hole Dimension:
Mesh Masters Reference Sheet Mesh Masters
Industrial Standards Reference
In science and industry, we don't just "guess" hole sizes. Engineers use Standard Sieve Series to ensure that a #40 mesh in Tokyo is exactly the same as a #40 mesh in New York. This precision is vital for everything from medicine to construction.
What is a Mesh Number?
The number of openings per linear inch . A higher number means the wires are closer together, creating smaller holes.
Low Mesh (#4)
Large Holes
→
High Mesh (#100)
Tiny Holes
Standard Sieve Specs (ASTM)
Sieve Designation Opening (mm) Typical Usage #4 4.75 mm Gravel & Large Pebbles #10 2.00 mm Coarse Sand / Soil #40 0.425 mm Medium Sand #100 0.150 mm Fine Sand / Silt #200 0.075 mm Clay / Talcum Powder
The Gold Miner's Dilemma
A miner wants to separate Gold Flakes (0.5 mm diameter) from River Rocks (12 mm diameter). Looking at the table above, which Sieve Number should they buy? Why?
Data source: ASTM E11 Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
