Curated OER
Classify That!
Students explore diverse forms of life by using modern biological classification systems to group animals that are related. Students then study basic scientific groupings like genus, species, mammals, fish, birds, amphibians, and...
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"Zoophyla"
Ninth graders gain an understanding of organims based on charateristics. They study about Kingdom Animalia and use technology to present knowledge of phyla. Finally, they create a new animal species of their own. When others present,...
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Spot Identification of Some of the Most Common Insect Orders
Students investigate the basic characteristics of insect orders and develop short-cut techniques to identify insects into twelve of the most common orders. They use captured specimens and photographs to practice identification and then...
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A Tree of Life Activity
High schoolers solve a mystery of the identification of a unknown organism by comparing its morphological characteristics to those in a tree of life classification poster. They compare the observable characteristics of the specimen and...
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Invertebrates and Vertebrate Evolution
Students explore the major characteristics of the major animal phyla. They describe adaptive features that have contributed to the success of animals on land. Students explain how primate evolution provides a context for understanding...
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An Automobile Phylogenetic Tree
Students construct a phylogenetic tree for various automobiles and trucks after considering important characteristics of these "organisms". They work in small groups to construct the trees and complete a set of questions then they...
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Studying Species By Examining the Evolution of the Canidae Family
Pupils read an article on the characteristics of wolves and dogs then complete a phylogenetic tree of the canid family. They then write an essay justifying why or why not wolves and dogs should be classified as different species.
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Classification in Action
Students work with a set of objects to set up both quantitative and qualitative classification systems. As a group, students follow an example to design and complete two classification systems using a set of objects provided. ...
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A Fiedl Study of an Integral Species
Young scholars compile baseline population information on a local species. They design and conduct a scientific investigation of a local species. Students interpret, analyze and communicate results based on sound scientific and...
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She Sells Sea Shells in Illinois??
Second graders sorted shells first by methods they thought appropriate and then were instructed on the scientific method of classification by univalve and bivalve. Students then sorted paper shells as a method of assessing knowledge. It...
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Tracy Aviary Wetland Restoration Module - WEST
Students become engaged in wetland conservation as they take part throughout the school year in restoring a small wetland at the Tracy Aviary. They visit the Tracy Aviary wetland at various times during the year and become involved in...
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Chick Embryology
Students investigate techniques that can be used to observe the development of the chick embryo. They explore the environment in which the chick develops and how it can be manipulated.
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Steppin' Out: Using Inquiry to Challente Alexander's Stride Analysis
High schoolers distinguish between walking, jogging and running trackways in humans. They analyze the phylogenetic progression of the leg position as described by pace width and angulation, comparing amphibians, reptiles and mammals....
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Studying Species by Examining the Evolution of the Canidae Family
Students examine the definition of species. Students complete a phylogentic tree of the Canidae family. They write an essay justifying why or why not wolves and dogs should be classified as different species.
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Peter Rabbit Meets Charles Darwin
Ninth graders explore evolution. They study a cartoon scenario of a rabbit population in which there is selection and a change of gene frequency. Students discuss frequencies, evolution, and speciation.
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Backyard Wildlife Conservation
Students survey local wildlife. They distinguish between permanent and migrating or seasonal species. Students identify species and describe the ecological niche. Students research the food chain and food web for the backyard...
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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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Animals and Habitats of the Chesapeake Bay
Young scholars work in small groups to discover the various habitats present in Chesapeake Bay and the animals that live in them. After investigating the habits and lives of the animals they will draw conclusions about other habitats...
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Sorting and Using Materials
Students practice sorting and classifying objects. In groups, they choose a variety of materials and describe how each one looks and feels. They must agree on how to classify each object and share their groupings with the class. They...
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Ocean Creature Classification
Students develop a Taxonomic Key for marine invertebrates from pictures they are given after practicing together with common objects, such as shoes. They then compare their key to a provided Ocean Invertebrates Taxonomic Key.
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Ocean Creature Classification
Students develop their own system for classifying a group of objects or organisms using observed similarities and differences. They investigate the process of scientific classification, and explain how marine organisms are classified by...
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Animal Classification
Students list characteristics and features of animals found in their community. They then group the animals according to how they are similar and different and create names for each group. They then create a chart of their...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Let's Identify and Classify
Learners participate in a creative activity to give them a good understanding of classification. They examine bags of chips and discuss their similarities and differences. Students work in small groups while participating in this activity.
Curated OER
Why Taxonomy?
Students investigate the need for taxonomy and perform a variety of activities that will make taxonomy real to them. They identify plants and animals in a specific area and record the information on a data sheet. They write stories...