Lesson summary
Students will think about how we group animals using common features. They will be guided on how to interpret worded information to be able to use a dichotomous key. Finally, they will use a dichotomous key on various organisms in small groups.
Learning intentions:
Students will...
- understand that scientists look at certain features to group organisms
- understand why a dichotomous key is used to group organisms based on similarities and differences
- understand how to use a dichotomous key to classify organisms
Success criteria:
Students can...
- interpret a paragraph of information to determine key characteristics
- use a dichotomous key to classify organisms
- work independently and collaboratively
Lesson guides and printables
Lesson details
Curriculum mapping
Australian Curriculum content descriptions:
Year 7 Science:
- 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)
- Develop investigable questions, reasoned predictions and hypotheses to explore scientific models, identify patterns and test relationships (AC9S7I01)
Syllabus outcomes: SC4-14LW, SC4-5WS
General capabilities: Literacy, Creative and Critical Thinking
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability
Relevant parts of Year 7 achievement standards: Students predict the effect of human and environmental changes on interactions between organisms and classify and organise diverse organisms based on observable differences. They summarise data from different sources.
This lesson is part of the wider unit of work Backyard Bush Blitz – Year 7
Resources required
- Bush Blitz Species Information Sheet
- Bush Blitz Species – Presentation
- Device capable of presenting information to the class on the board
- Student Worksheets (one copy per student)
Skills
This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:
- Critical thinking
- Collaboration
- Problem solving
Additional info
Time required: 60 mins
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate a whole-class class activity
This is an original Cool+ lesson.
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