Classification And Identification

Here is a terrific, one-hour lesson on plant taxonomy. In it, learners discover the three bases that plants can be classified under. They view a slide show on plants and practice correctly classifying each plant shown. Then, they take a...

Students create a dichotomous key using potato chips. In 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...

Tenth graders use a classification key to identify organisms.  In this classification lesson students identify freshwater species of fish and document their observations. 

Junior biologists journey through the hiearchy of living things with these activites. Using a dichotomous key, they identify common algae, plants, and fish. They design their own key for a mixture of seeds and a collection of...

What's the difference between a rock and a mineral? And what properties are used to identify minerals? The first installment of a five-part series on earth materials and processes prompts young scientists to identify a set of...

Learn about dichotomous keys, plant identification, and how to care for the planet with a lesson that includes several hands-on and innovative activities. Kids go on a plant scavenger hunt and classify the plants that they find...

Geologists are gneiss, tuff, and a little bit wacke. The fifth chapter of seven includes ten activities at four different levels. The hands-on activities cover fossils including how they are formed, vertebrates, invertebrates,...

If you teach basic botany or a landscape design course, this presentation is practically perfect. Begin with classification and nomenclature methods and move into the characteristics of leaves that make plant identification possible:...

Take learning outside and start classifying grasslands. Young ecologists observe grassland plants in order to classify them into the appropriate species by family. They note their characteristics and where they grow. A true field...

Students create a computer database to discover relationships present in the Animal Kingdom. In this classification lesson plan, students enter data into a Microsoft Access database. They answer questions on a worksheet and create a...