Taxonomy & Classification of Living Things: a science unit with lab activities

Description

Why Choose Wild Earth Lab?

Drawing on my environmental science background, I create accurate, engaging resources that make teaching easier. Original, thoughtfully designed visuals and hands-on activities help bring the real experience of being a scientist into your classroom.

Age Range

This unit is designed to be adaptable for a range of ages, with activities and materials that can be adjusted to meet different learners’ needs. It is suitable for learners from middle school through early high school and works well with mixed-age groups.

What’s Included?

(71 PDF pages total)

•  PART 1: INTRODUCTORY READINGS, HANDOUTS, AND COMPREHENSION ACTIVITIES: materials for learning about the classification of living things, taxonomy, binomial nomenclature, domains and kingdoms of life, and the classification of animals.
  • • 2 introductory readings and a brainstorm activity
    • Vocabulary list
    • Vocab matching worksheets
    • Vocab class activity
    • Binomial nomenclature reading
    • Binomial nomenclature worksheet
    • Posters of the domains and kingdoms of life and main animal phyla
• PART 2: TAXONOMIC RANKS AND SORTING ACTIVITIES: learn about the 8 taxonomic ranks (levels of classification) and learn how to sort different organisms by taxa.
  • • Taxonomic ranks diagram
    • Unlabeled diagram copy for practice
    • Classification example: gray wolf
    • Classification practice worksheet with a species of your choosing
    • Mnemonic device activity
    • 3 sorting activities
• PART 3: CLADOGRAMS: learn how to read and interpret cladograms, diagrams that show the evolutionary relationships between organisms.
  • • Cladograms reading
    • 2 example cladograms
    • Cladogram interpretation and comprehension questions worksheet
• PART 4: ALIEN CLASSIFICATION LAB: act as an alien taxonomist for 32 alien species! Apply concepts from this unit, including taxonomic ranks and cladograms.
  • • Instructor guide
    • Student handout
    • 32 alien cards
• PART 5: DICHOTOMOUS KEY LAB: learn how to use and make your own dichotomous keys for identifying organisms.
  • • Instructor guide
    • Student handout
    • 3 dichotomous keys
    • Directions for making a dichotomous key
    • All necessary printable materials for this lab are included
• Instructor materials: directions and answer key
• Access to additional online materials: background information and more ways to expand on this topic.

Good to Know

• Single-classroom use: Materials are for personal and single-classroom use only and may not be shared or distributed. Contact me about multiple licenses for schools or organizations.
• Digital product: This is an instant PDF download, designed for printing on standard 8.5 × 11-inch paper. Due to the nature of digital products, purchases are non-refundable.
• Adult supervision: Activities should be completed with appropriate adult supervision.
• Terms & Conditions: See the full terms & conditions.