Larson Lab
Animal Classification
How are animals classified? Scholars explore animal classification by observing non-living and living specimens. They learn how to organize animals into vertebrates and invertebrates and identify the five vertebrate groups: mammals,...
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Potato chip Classification
Students create a dichotomous key using potato chips. For this classification lesson, students sort potato chips into groups based on observable characteristics. They record their results to create a dichotomous key in preparation for...
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From Curiosity Cabinet to Museum Collection
Students study binomial nomenclature and museum-based research. They create a curiosity box, label the objects in their curiosity box , develop a classification scheme for the objects, and create a database of all objects collected by...
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Do You Have the Key?
Students practice using a dichotomous key. For this classification lesson, students read an article about scientific exploration and identification of new species. They use a dichotomous key to identify objects and create their own key.
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Creating A School Herbarium
Students create a school herbarium to develop a working assessment of common plants and become aware of plant diversity. They utilize pruners, a plant press, phone book, plant labels, a field plant guide and a classification key to...
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Classification 2
Students discuss what makes a living thing (for example, cellular respiration) and collect a selection of living things from outside. They divide their organisms into plants and animals and create a key for the divisions.
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Arizona Plant Booklet: An Introduction to Arizona Plants & Cacti
Students explore variety of plants & cacti in their Arizona community by collecting samples and taking photographs. Can be adapted to other areas.
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Dichotomous Chips
Young scholars create a dichotomous key to different varieties of potato chips. In small groups, they observe and record characteristics of the potato chips to use in the key. They switch keys with another group to see if they can...
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Charlie and the Cell City
Students identify the major components of the cell and their functions. They compare and contrast the major components and functions of animal and plant cells
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Species and Specimens: Exploring Local Biodiversity
Students practice skills essential to all scientific investigation: carefully observing and collecting data. They become field biologists in a series of hands-on activities to collect and identify specimens, and survey and calculate the...
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Charlie and the Cell City
Students investigate the major components of the cell and their function through an adventure inside the cell with an imaginary little guy named "Charlie." Through the use of the Internet and viewing a video, students identify components...
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Seed Dispersal
Students determine seed dispersal methods. In this life science lesson, students make predictions about how seeds might move, then look at seeds under micrographs or microscopes to analyze the seed coat and how this helps dispersal. ...