CECsci.

143

TITLE: POTATO CHIP CLASSIFICATION

AUTHOR: Janet C. Duncan, Meadow Glade School

Battle Ground, WA

GRADE LEVEL: Appropriate for grades 5-8.

OVERVIEW: The purpose of this activity is twofold. Used at

the beginning of the year, it introduces the structure and
function of a dichotomous key preparatory to asking students
to identify plant and animal specimens. It also reinforces
the idea that there are many "right" answers in science.

OBJECTIVE(s): Students will be able to:

1. Classify "specimens" (in this case, potato chips)
according to observable characteristics.
2. Prepare a "key" showing their classification system.
3. Use their key to identify a specimen.
4. Recognize the validity of classmates' classification
systems.

MATERIALS/RESOURCES:
1. Eight bags of potato chips selected for differences
in observable characteristics (i.e. color, texture,
brand name, flavoring, etc.)
2. Chalkboard or overhead projector for recording class
key.
3. Representative samples of each type of chip in
labeled plastic bags. (Quantity determined by number
of student groups.)
4. Paper and pencils for student group recording.

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:

1. Display bags of potato chips and discuss their
similarities and differences.
2. Ask volunteer to divide chips into two groups using an
observable characteristic (i.e. flavored/not flavored).
3. Record results of first division.
4. Continue to divide groups of chips, using a different
characteristic each time, until only one bag of chips
remains in each group. Continue recording results.
5. Using the class key, identify "unknown" chips.
6. Divide class into groups of four to six students.
7. Provide each group with a sample set of chips.
8. Ask each group to devise and test a dichotomous key
that is different from the class key.
9. Record and share results.
10. Eat the chips!

EXTENSIONS:
1. Repeat activity with other objects such as candy,
shoes, etc.
2. Share story of potato chips resulting from "mistake."
("Mistakes that Worked" by Charlotte Jones)
3. Introduce and use plant and animal keys.
SAMPLE KEY:

orange (Party Pride Barbeque)

flavored
not orange (Party Pride Sour Cream)
Chips in box
ridges (Bell Dip Chips)
not flavored
no ridges (Party Pride Potato Chips)
ridges (Nalley's Dip Chips)

Chips in bag
not "gourmet" (Lay's Potato Chips)
no ridges
salted (Kettle Chips
Jalapeno)
"gourmet"
unsalted (Kettle
Chips Unsalted)