Discover Classification

This hands-on session uses interactive voting software, live animals, 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.

Please be aware that though we aim to use a live animal in this session, we do not guarantee that they will be present – animals can fall ill or be unwilling to be handled and their welfare is ZSL’s first priority.

Age: KS3 (11-14 year olds)

Duration: 45mins

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

 

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

 

Online Teaching Resources:

• Support your students' learning before, during or after a visit with our online teaching resources.