Lesson summary
Students learn how scientists use a hierarchical system of classification, and how living things can be classified into Kingdoms based on their features. Students use creative thinking to invent an organism and give it a scientific name. They then classify their organism based on its physical features.
Learning intentions:
Students will...
- understand that classification involves grouping organisms on the basis of similarities and differences in particular features.
Success criteria:
Students can...
- recognise that there are many ways we could classify living things, but that the hierarchical classification system is the one that scientists around the world use.
- implement scientific conventions when naming organisms.
Lesson guides and printables
Curriculum links
Select your curriculum from the options below.
Lesson details
Curriculum Mapping
Australian Curriculum (v9.0) content descriptions:
Year 7 Science:
Students learn to:
- investigate the role of classification in ordering and organising the diversity of life on Earth and use and develop classification tools including dichotomous keys (AC9S7U01)
Relevant parts of Year 7 achievement standards:
By the end of Year 7, students explain how biological diversity is ordered and organised.
Resources Required
- Device capable of presenting a video to the class
- Features of Kingdoms Factsheet
- Animal Factsheet Template
- Kingdom Photo Sheets:
Skills
This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:
- creativity
- critical thinking
Additional Info
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium - oversee activity and facilitate discussion.
This is an original Cool+ lesson.
Related Professional Learning
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This course will help inspire your students to feel optimistic about their future by investigating how animals adapt to climate change.
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