KS3/4 CLASSIFICATION
CURRICULUM LINKS
KS3 Science 3.3 Organisms, Behavior and Health
d. All living things show variation, can be classified and are interdependent,
interacting with each other and their environment
KS4 Science 5 Organisms and Health
b. Variation between species can lead to evolutionary changes and similarities and
differences between species can be measured and classified.
Last updated July 2015
Chester Zoo’s oldest
chimpanzee, Boris
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After attending this workshop, pupils will be able to:
• Define the terms classification, vertebrate and invertebrate
• Describe differences between the five vertebrate groups
Some pupils will be able to:
• List key features common to members of each vertebrate group
Some pupils will be able to:
• Identify which vertebrate group an unseen animal comes from, using
key features as clues.
A Cheetah at Chester Zoo
LESSON PLAN
Using a variety of artefacts (some real), students will work in small groups to
find out what all mammals have in common, or likewise with the other four
vertebrate groups, before feeding this back to the rest of the class.
We will also discuss classification of invertebrates and also see some mystery
objects which will allow students to put what they have learnt during the
session into practice, identifying which mammal group it has come from using clues.
IMPORTANT NOTE – ARTEFACT CONTACT
Some Discovery Workshops MAY include a selection of bio-artefacts. Please inform us in
advance of any allergies or phobias that may be affected by this. An antibacterial foam
handwash will be offered to all students at the end of the workshop. In order for this to be
effective, teachers are asked to ensure that all students have clean hands on arrival at the
Education Centre.’
Critically Endangered Sumatran
Tigers at Chester Zoo
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES TO LINK WITH YOUR
WORKSHOP
BEFORE VISIT (recommended prior learning - useful but not essential)
• An understanding of the terms classification, vertebrate, invertebrate,
mammal, reptile, fish, amphibian and bird would benefit students.
• PLANNING A ROUTE: ANIMALS DISCUSSED DURING WORKSHOP
• The following animals are discussed during the session and can be seen in
the Zoo: various fish species (The Aquarium), turtles (Spirit of the Jaguar)
frogs (Tropical Realm), Komodo Dragons (Islands in Danger), macaws,
Spectacled Bears, bats (Fruit Bat Forest), penguins, elephants and rhinos.
DID YOU KNOW?
There are a selection of curriculum- linked self-led Explorer trails available to download at
http://www.chesterzoo.org/education/key-stage-3-4/trails-and-resources. The “Classification”
explorer trail compliments the “Classification” discovery workshop nicely.
DURING VISIT
•
While observing animals in the Zoo, attempt to work out how we would
classify this species and why.
•
The Spirit of the Jaguar has a large aquatic tank with several species of
fish, mixed in with turtles – why are turtles not fish? Which group do they
belong to?
A Critically Endangered
Blue-throated Macaw
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES TO LINK WITH YOUR
WORKSHOP
•
Investigate plant classification in Plant Paradise or our Wildlife Garden.
•
•
Investigate invertebrate classification in the Aquarium (e.g. coral, brittle
star), Dragons in Danger (Monserrat Tarantula) and Butterfly Journey.
•
•
Think about species variation within each of the vertebrate groups e.g.
visit Europe on the Edge (by penguins and Giant Otters) how many
different birds can you spot? What things do they have in common?
•
Visit the Fruit Bat Forest (groups need to be accompanied by a teacher) and
discuss why bats are mammals despite the fact that they fly. If you want to
know more, you can always ask a Ranger who will be on hand within the
exhibit!
After visit
• Design imaginary creatures to fit into specific vertebrate groups .
One of Chester Zoo’s everpopular Meerkats!