Candy Classificiation Activity
Name: _________________ Date: ________
Block: ____
I. Initial Sort – Sort the candy in your bag, then answer the questions below.
1) Identify three different physical traits you used to classify your candy._____________________
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2) How many categories do you have? ___________________
3) Explain your categories: _________________________________________________________
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II. Using the dichotomous key (obtain from your teacher), classify each piece of candy to discover its
“scientific name.”
Complete the chart below for each piece of candy.
Common Name
EX: Dums Dums
Picture
Path
Scientific Name
1b 7a 8a 11a
Moronus-moronus
(Genus) (species)
butterscotch
Tootsie rolls
Gummy bears
Jolly Rancher
Gobstoppers
(jawbreaker)
Peppermint ** (EC)
4. How many choices does a dichotomous key provide at each step? ______________________________
5. As you used the dichotomous key to identify the candy, did the characteristics you used start out simple,
and become more specific? ______________
6. Name a specific candy from the chart. Explain how it went from being really simple, to super specific?
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7. Explain in your own words what a dichotomous key is, and how it could be useful in classifying living
things: ______________________________________________________________________________
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