Classification
Summary
Learning
outcomes
Key stage
NC links
Pupils will spend the day investigating how living things are
classified into groups according to the features they share. They
will encounter examples of many of the main plant and animal
groups and will practice sampling for and classifying our native
invertebrates.
Throughout the day pupils will find out more about the work of Carl
Linnaeus, an early pioneer of scientific classification and will
practice using a range of scientific techniques and equipment to
carry out scientific enquiries.
By the end of the day pupils will:
 Recognise that living things can be grouped in a variety of
ways.
 Explore and use classification keys to help group, identify and
name a variety of living things in their local environment.
 Be able to describe how living things are classified into broad
groups according to common observable characteristics and
based on similarities and differences
 Give reasons for classifying plants and animals based on
specific characteristics.
 Record data using tables and classification keys.
Upper Key Stage 2
Science
Sample Programme
Time*
10:00
10:30
11:00
11:30
11:45
12:45
Activity
Arrival and introduction to site and course
Kingdoms
As an introduction to the Linnaean classification system pupils are
given examples of different plants, animals and micro-organisms
and asked to sort them into three different groups according to
their observable characteristics. Pupils are then introduced to the
work of Carl Linnaeus, the “father” of modern classification and
receive a challenge from him to survey and classify the plants and
animals found in Ferry Meadows.
Classifying vertebrates
Pupils follow a trail to find examples or evidence of each of the five
main vertebrate groups. Can they use their skills of observation to
help them correctly classify each example and complete a
scientific description of each group.
Break
Classifying invertebrates
Pupils work together to hunt for examples of invertebrate species
living in the woodlands and leaf litter of ferry Meadows. They use
a picture key to identify the species found and then sort them into
groups using a classification key.
Lunch
1:15
Lynch Lake challenge
Pupils use the skills they have learned during the day to find and
identify examples of different plant and animal groups living in and
around the waters of Lynch Lake. Who will be the first to find
examples of all the groups studied?
2:20
End activities and prepare to depart
2:30
Depart
*timings are for example only and can be adjusted to meet the requirements of your
group