SILO 3.2 (DRAFT)

Introduction to classification

Taxonomy is the branch of science concerned with classification.  This video (4:11) shows how classification works using a red fox as an example.

Classification systems continue to evolve so there is some debate about the number of categories.  The following screenshot from the previous video is a reminder that there are generally considered to be eight categories involved in biological classification as follows:

An interactive resource is available from the UNE Discovery program (https://www.unediscoveryvoyager.org.au/latin-taxonomy-build-a-character/) where students can make adaptations to creatures and then use the Latin binomials to name the new creatures. 

Week 2

Introduction to dichotomous keys

Week 3

'Caminalcules'

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caminalcules).

Week 4

Classification activity

How many groups could the following five shapes be grouped into?

Try sorting them into groups of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Discuss the word 'criteria' and then link it to classification in terms of 'attributes'.

• Fold a piece of A4 paper into 8 boxes.  
• Draw a new creature in each of the boxes where each creature is different but include some similarities.
• Name or number the boxes.
• Cut out the boxes.
• Children can swap with a partner to group creatures devising their own criteria.

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

Week 8

Week 9

Week 10

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