What types of objects can you identify solely by touch? The nerves in our fingertips do a good job of conveying information about our surroundings. This activity explores this sense and turns it into a challenge: Can you match identical objects without seeing them? Make it as simple or difficult as you like.
 
Questions Answered:
What types of information can be determined solely by touch? 
What types of information cannot be determined solely by touch? 
 
Topics Addressed:
We can use our sense of touch to compare objects 
Some qualities of objects can be discerned by touch 
Some qualities of objects cannot be discerned by touch
 
Materials Needed
assorted small pairs of objects (coins, shells, dice, etc.); pillowcase
 
Preparation Time
Collecting objects
 
Teaching Time 
About 20–30 minutes, longer with included writing assignment
 
Answer Key
Yes! Plus extensive teacher notes address the many questions that come up. You shouldn’t have to do outside research on this topic unless you want to. Specific charts and graphic organizers have keys. 
 
Target Audience
Middle School Students, Ages 11-14
 
Student Sheets
Scaffolded writing prompts & lab reporting 
Diagrams for labeling