Standard and objective:
- V1a. Categorize non-living objects based on external structures.
- V1d. Demonstrate that there are many ways to classify things.
- V2b. Develop a classification system based on observed structural characteristics.
Activity title: Making a Classification Key
Description: Students will practice individually to make a classification tree and key, using imaginary creatures.
Materials needed:
- Student worksheet that follows
Prior knowledge needed: Classification procedures
Time required: 30 minutes
Special teacher procedures, safety notes, and suggestions:
- By this time, students should be proficient at creating trees and keys. The biggest problem is choosing a characteristic to start with. As the students work, spot check their work.
- Have students share their classification keys to check each other’s work.
Student sheet or handout (if needed): follows
Scoring guide: Check that there are the correct number of branches for the classification tree and that the forks in the branches are reasonable. Make sure there are the correct number of choice pairs on the key, the choices in the pairs are related and that each line has a number and letter, choice, and consequence.
Name: ______Per. ___ Date: ____ Integrated Science 7
Making a Classification Key
Introduction: Scientists make classification keys to help them name living things. The keys describe the organisms and give the scientific names. In this activity you will make a classification key for some existing organisms.
Procedure:
1. Look carefully at the creatures pictured. See what traits they have in common and which are different. List their name
2. Use the branching “tree” in the data to begin. Along the arrows, write a description of the trait you are using to separate the creatures into categories. Write the number of the creatures still in the group in the box so you can remember which are in each group.
3. Now divide each of the first two groups again by another characteristic. Write it in the box and put the number below. Keep going until each creature is by itself. Give them names when they are completely described on your key.
4. Do both sides of the key until all creatures have a name.
Organisms:list the names of your organisms here:
- List 10 observations about your organisms.
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- What types of characteristics can you use to separate the organisms? List 4.
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- Draw your classification tree on the back, and create a dichotomous key from your tree.
All Creatures
Classification Key
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