Invertebrate Dichotomous Keys (home learning)

Curriculum codes: 

• Year 7: Classification helps organise the diverse group of organisms (ACSSU111)

Ideal for: Lower Secondary

Themes: 

• investigate
• think and connect 

Time required: Part A – 40 minutes; Part B – 40 minutes; Part C – 30 minutes 

Curriculum connections: Science, Critical and Creative Thinking, Sustainability

• Backyard Dichotomous Key
• Clear container such as a plastic tub or glass jar
• Access to CSIRO Key to Invertebrates
• Device capable of accessing internet OR device capable of taking photos
• Invertebrates Key 
• Notebook 
• Pen/pencil
• Small bucket
• Small paint brush 
• Sweep net (optional)
• Poster/booklet making materials (optional)
• Extension: Scientific Drawing Guidelines

When exploring outdoors in the bush, a park or down by the sea, knowing the common and scientific names of things requires you to have a guide. One type of guide that is frequently used are identification keys. Knowing how to use a key to identify plants, birds, reptiles, mammals, insects, fungi, fish or spiders is a way of unlocking the secrets to life on Earth.

The use of keys to identify living things is a practical skill that comes in handy in a variety of different contexts. Some of these uses include identifying bugs that may be in the garden, types of fish species, determining appropriate plants for landscaping or training yourself to become a bird-watching enthusiast or ‘twitcher’.

Learning@Home resources are designed for parents and teachers to use with children in the home environment. They can be used as stand-alone activities or built into existing curriculum-aligned learning programs. Our Learning@Home series includes two types of resources. The first are fun and challenging real-world activities for all ages, the second are self-directed lessons for upper primary and secondary students. These lessons support independent learning in remote or school settings.