Classifying Vertebrates
Mrs. Bonifay/OCS Biology
OBJECTIVE: To understand and apply the scientific classification of
vertebrates
NCSCOS (OCS): OBio 3.5: Understand how classification systems
are developed based upon speciation.
TIME: One 90-minute period (May carry over to the next day)
MATERIALS: Biology Vocabulary 7 PowerPoint
4x6 Index Cards (11 per student)
Vertebrate PowerPoint
Vertebrate PowerPoint Guided Notes Handout
“Interviewing Vertebrates” Video (Teacher Tube)
Vertebrate Classification Handout
Internet Access
BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE: An overview of the classification of
organisms as well as general classification vocabulary
will have been presented the previous day.
LESSON: 1. Distribute 4x6 index cards to students (11 per student).
2. Present Biology Vocabulary 7 PowerPoint and have
students make flashcards, as they have done
previously. (*They will have these for EOC review.)
3. Distribute Vertebrate PowerPoint Guided Notes
Handout (hole punched for Biology notebooks).
4. Present Vertebrate PowerPoint and have students
follow along while filling in guided notes.
5. Show “Interviewing Vertebrates” video.
WHOLE CLASS ACTIVITY: Divide students into groups of two or
three (make sure groups are a mix of stronger and
weaker students). Distribute vertebrate classification
handout. Instruct students to work with their group to
find 10 organisms for each vertebrate classification using
prior knowledge, books, and internet sources. Also,
instruct that one organism on each list should be
considered an “endangered species.” They should use a
highlighter to indicate which one is endangered.
ASSESSMENT: Students will be assessed on cooperation within
group, effort and contribution, and completion of the
assignment as instructed.