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This hands-on session uses interactive voting software, real specimens and group tasks to help students understand the science of taxonomy (classifying living things).

Students will work together to classify a range of unusual invertebrates, discuss the importance of the binomial system to name organisms and learn more about how modern technologies have affected how organisms are classified today. Students will also learn about how classification is applied to the conservation work carried out by ZSL.

Age: KS3 (11 - 14 year olds)  Duration: 45 minutes Capacity: 35 students Indoor Session

Intended Learning Outcomes:

Students will be able to:

  • Describe classification using: Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus and Species
  • Give an example of how to classify a species based on its similarities with other organisms
  • Explain how to name organisms using the binomial system and why scientists use it
  • Give an example of how modern technology has affected the classification of species
  • Understand the practical application of classification in conservation of species using the EDGE of Existence programme as an example

Online Teaching Resources:

National Curriculum Links
KS3 Biology Working Scientifically Scientific attitudes
  • pay attention to objectivity and concern for accuracy, precision, repeatability and reproducibility
  • understand that scientific methods and theories develop as earlier explanations are modified to take account of new evidence and ideas, together with the importance of publishing results and peer review
Experimental skills and investigations
  • ask questions and develop a line of enquiry based on observations of the real world, alongside prior knowledge and experience
  • make predictions using scientific knowledge and understanding
Genetics and evolution Inheritance, chromosomes, DNA and genes
  • differences between species
  • the variation between species and between individuals of the same species means some organisms compete more successfully, which can drive natural selection