Grade 9: Unit 1: Diversity of Living Things

Attitudes:

3. Recognition that systems of classification and nomenclature are human

inventions

4. Appreciation of the usefulness of classification systems

Skills:

2. Proposing Ideas:

i. Hypothesizing about the relationships among specific

living things

4. Gathering Data:

i. Observing variation within a group of living things

5. Processing Data:

i. Classifying familiar objects or living things, using a dichotomous key

Concepts:

4. Classification of living things is based on similarities and differences.

i. Identify the taxonomic levels used in scientific classification

ii. Infer the relatedness of the “species” on the basis of their scientific classification

Description:

Using the physical similarities and dissimilarities the students will create a

dichotomous key that clearly identifies the unique characteristics of their fellow

classmates. The students should focus on observable characteristics to create this

key.

Materials and advanced prep:

Students should be familiar with how a dichotomous key works. Go through a

simple example ahead of time so that they understand what type of characteristics

are useful for making a clear key.

Teacher needs a blank transparency to record the steps of the key.

Use about half of the class as volunteers (volunteers may assist with making the

key). Be sure to pick a good variety of students (male and female, different

coloured hair, clothing type etc. as these will be the “obvious characteristics” to

build the key around).