Teachers’ Notes
Classification
How living things are classified into broad groups.
Years:6
Total Duration: 2 hours
Curriculum Links
Living things and their habitats
describe how living things are classified into broad groups according to common observable
characteristics and based on similarities and differences, including micro-organisms, plants and
animals
give reasons for classifying plants and animals based on specific characteristics.
Learning Objectives
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know that how scientists classify
organisms
understand how keys can be used to
identify unknown species
• recognise the importance of a system of
taxonomy for scientists
Learning Outcomes
All children will be able to name the system use
to group and sort organisms
Most children will be able to use keys effectively
and know why scientists have adopted a
standardised system
Some children will be able name the major
groupings in taxonomy.
Programme Summary
This session focus on the importance of taxonomy. In the centre the children will learn the range
of different groups of organisms there are through interactive games and quizzes making use of
our range of stuffed, live and model animals. The class will split into smaller groups and work
through a number of different keys to name and classify a variety of organisms in different habitats
around the park. The plenary will allow the children to share their findings and will reinforce the
lesson objectives.
Pre-visit Preparation
If you have not visited the centre before a pre-visit is essential.
It helps to brief the children before a visit. Talk through the activities that they will be doing and
discuss key vocabulary. What are the names of the seasons? What is the weather like? How
much light is there? What happens to plants and animals through the seasons?
Pre-visit ideas
Post-visit ideas
They could research unfamiliar animals and
plants from a broad range of other habitats and
decide where they belong in the classification
system.
Make and test keys
Research scientists such as Carl Linnaeus, a
pioneer of classification.
Make up new animals to classify by playing the
consequences game
Please refer to our Health & Safety Information for risk assessments and an outline of the school
and Ecology Centre responsibilities.
To book or for further information contact the Ecology Service
020 7938 8186 | [email protected] | www.rbkc.gov.uk/ecology