Classifying the Unknown

Young scholars use attributes to sort fish. In this animal groups and classification biology lesson, students use a dichotomous key and fish attributes to discover an unknown fish.

Take young geologists on an exploration of the rock cycle with this six-lesson earth science unit on rocks and minerals. Through a series of discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on investigations your class will learn about the...

Explore the scientific method of classification. An interactive activity asks learners to create a classification system for a group of objects and develop a flow chart to communicate their systems. In addition, individuals use a...

How can one easily classify metals, nonmetals, and metalloids? Pupils answer this question as they experiment with unknown substances and perform tests on conductivity, brittleness, and malleability to determine which unknown belongs in...

Use a dichotomous key to classify these squirmy bugs. A paragraph provides fifth graders with some background knowledge on the animal kingdom, and explains how to use a branching key for classification. They then determine which bugs...

Students become familiar with periodic table of elements and recognize elements as basic structural units for familiar materials. Students then create cards with descriptions and uses for their selected elements, and identify and...

Students explore the different characteristics of the cell using a virtual lab. In this biology lesson plan, students classify an unknown cell sample based on its properties. They demonstrate mastery of the subject by creating a...

While some forensic tests can be completed in an hour, many take months to run. The lesson starts with a discussion of forensics at crime scenes and the various specializations that it encompasses. Then scholars complete an experiment...

Students work with a partner to determine the identity of an unknown element based on given descriptions. Groups use classroom textbooks, encyclopedias, and science internet sites to identify their unknown element then write a report as...

Sixth graders classify candy according to observable characteristics. They use a dichotomous key to identify their bag of "treats." Thus, describe how dichotomous keys help to the identifying of organisms. Design a self-generated...