Lesson 1 - Grouping things
Lesson overview
Students are introduced to the idea of classification and why it is useful. After watching the Classifying living things video, they discuss reasons for grouping things and examine examples of classification keys. Students then practise grouping objects: first by labelling a photograph of different leaves, and then by collecting and grouping their own items based on observable features such as colour, size and shape.
Learning intention
We are learning about ways of grouping things.
Success criteria
We can group things based on their observable features.
Activity 1 - Why and how do we classify?
Classification is the process of grouping things based on their similarities. We classify things into groups to help us stay organised, keep track of things and be able to make comparisons. It also helps us understand how living things are related throughout history.
Tasks
- View the Classifying living things video to learn about classification.
- Name some living things you could group and classify.
Classifying living things | Field of Mars EEC (1:46min) | YouTube
Activity 2 - What is a classification key?
A classification key or branching key lists features which help us identify what something is or to which group it belongs. When classifying an object or living thing we need to make close observations of its features.
Tasks
- Explore examples of classification keys.
- Note how these keys are similar and different.
A vertebrate animal classification key
Activity 3 - How can we create groups?
Tasks
- View the photograph and consider how the leaves could be grouped.
- Take a close look at each leaf focussing on its features.
- Consider how you could create groups based on similar features such as colour, size or shape.
- Download the photograph.
- Create groups by labelling or annotating the photograph.
- Download and view the example of grouped seed pods.
- How many different ways can you find to group the leaves?
An assortment of leaves found in eucalypt forest
Activity 4 - How can we create our own groups?
Tasks
- Collect a range of items from where you are.
- Create groups based on your items features.
- Take a photo and label or annotate your photograph to show the groups you have created.
- Share and compare your findings with one or two other students.
Materials needed
- Natural materials from the ground such as sticks, fallen leaves, seedpods, stones OR
- Items from home such as cooking utensils.
A variety of kitchen utensils
We're here at Field of Mars to learn all about classification.
Classification is the process of grouping things based on their similarities. Let's see if we can classify what we found in the ground.
I've just created three groups based on their similarities. I have leaves rocks and sticks.
We classify things into groups so we can stay organised, keep track of things and make comparisons. It also helps us understand how things are related throughout history.
A classification key or branching key is a series of questions which help us identify what something is.
I'm going to use this classification key to find out what kind of vertebrate the blue tongue lizard is. I can see that the lizard has no fur or feathers but it does have scales but I can't see any gills so this tells me it must be a reptile.
There are so many amazing things to classify here in the Field of Mars bush we would love to see what you've classified at your school.
End of transcript.