Standard and objective:

• V1a. Categorize non-living objects based on external structures.

• V1d. Demonstrate that there are many ways to classify things.
• V2b. Develop a classification system based on observed structural characteristics.

Activity title: Making a Classification Key

Description: Students will practice individually to make a classification tree and key,
using imaginary creatures.

Materials needed:
• Student worksheet that follows

Prior knowledge needed: Classification procedures

Time required: 30 minutes

Special teacher procedures, safety notes, and suggestions:

• By this time, students should be proficient at creating trees and keys. The
biggest problem is choosing a characteristic to start with. As the students work,
spot check their work.
• Have students share their classification keys to check each other’s work.

Student sheet or handout (if needed): follows

Scoring guide: Check that there are the correct number of branches for the
classification tree and that the forks in the branches are reasonable. Make sure there
are the correct number of choice pairs on the key, the choices in the pairs are related
and that each line has a number and letter, choice, and consequence.
Title: Making a Classification Key Name__________________________

Introduction: Scientists make classification keys to help them name living things. The
keys describe the organisms and give the scientific names. In this activity you will make
a classification key for some imaginary creatures.

Procedure:
1. Look carefully at the creatures pictured. See what traits they have in common and
which are different. Give them a name that will identify them.
2. Use the branching “tree” in the data to begin. Along the arrows, write a description of
the trait you are using to separate the creatures into categories. Write the number of
the creatures still in the group in the box so you can remember which are in each group.
3. Now divide each of the first two groups again by another characteristic. Write it in
the box and put the number below. Keep going until each creature is by itself. Give
them names when they are completely described on your key.
4. Do both sides of the key until all creatures have a name.

Organisms:

Data: on back

Analysis:

1. What types of characteristics did you use to separate the creatures?

2. What are others that could be used with real organisms?

3. What is an important trait that separates the plant and animal kingdoms?

4. Use someone else’s key to identify a creature. Did you find the same name for the
same creature as they did?

Why?
 All Creatures

Classification Key

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2. …………………………
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3. …………………………
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4. …………………………
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5. …………………………
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6. …………………………
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7. …………………………
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