KS2
CLASSIFICATION
CURRICULUM
(YR 5 & 6) LINKS
KS2 Living things and their habitats
Describe how living things are classified into broad
groups according to common observable
characteristics and based on similarities and
differences, including micro-organisms, plants and
animals .
Give reasons for classifying plants and animals
based on specific characteristics.
Last updated: Aug
2015
Chester Zoo’s
oldest
chimpanzee,
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After attending this workshop, all pupils
will be able to:
•Explore and use classification keys to help
group
•Identify and name a variety of living things
that come from the rainforest.
•Recognise that living things can be grouped
in a variety of ways.
Most students will be able to:
•Describe how living things are classified
into broad groups according to common
observable characteristics, based on
similarities and differences.
•Give reasons for classifying plants and
animals based on scientific characteristics.
Some students will be able to:
•Identify differences between specific
rainforest species
A Cheetah at Chester
Zoo
LESSON PLAN
Using a variety of artefacts (some real) from
our unique Islands animal collection, students
will become explorers and work in small groups
to discover the five vertebrate groups and
their common characteristics.
After exploring the vertebrate groups in the
Sumba schoolroom students will continue their
journey exploring the vertebrate groups out
and about in Islands. Groups will focus on a
particular vertebrate species and find and
produce a video* showcasing its characteristics
and put what they have learnt during the
session
into NOTE
practice.
IMPORTANT
– ANIMAL CONTACT
Some Discovery Workshops MAY include a selection of
*Videos
will be
created
using
bio-artefacts.
Please
inform
us inIPads.
advancePlease
of any
allergies
or phobias
maysent
be affected
by this. An
note
that
videos that
can be
to teachers
antibacterial
foam handwash
will be offered
after the session
if you require
a copy.to all
students at the end of the workshop. In order for
this to be effective, teachers are asked to ensure
that all students have clean hands on arrival at the
Sumba Classroom in Islands.
IMPORTANT NOTE- TEACHER NUMBERS
As this workshop involves an aspect of ‘out and about’
ideally we recommend at least 2 teachers to
Critically Endangered
Sumatran Tigers at
Chester Zoo
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES TO
LINK WITH YOUR WORKSHOP
BEFORE VISIT (recommended prior learning useful but not essential)
• An understanding of the basic terms
vertebrate, invertebrate, mammal, reptile,
• PLANNING
A ROUTE:
ANIMALS
fish, amphibian
and bird
would benefit
DISCUSSED
DURING
WORKSHOP
students.
• The following animals are discussed during
the session and can be seen in the Zoo:
various fish species (Monsoon forest/The
Aquarium), Bali Starling (Islands: Bali),
Cassowary (Islands: Papua), Cinnamon frogs,
Sunda
Gharials (Monsoon Forest),
DID
YOU KNOW?
Reticulated
Python
of the
Red
Ape),
There
are a selection
of (Realm
curriculumlinked
self-led
Sumatran
Explorer
trailsOrangutan
available to (Islands),
download atSumatran
http://www.chesterzoo.org/education/key-stage-3Tiger (Island: Sumatra).
4/trails-and-resources. The “Classification” explorer
trail compliments the “Classification” discovery
DURING
VISIT
workshop nicely.
•
•
While observing animals in the Zoo, attempt to
work out how we would
classify this species and why. Take photos if
you’re not sure.
In monsoon forest there is a huge variety of
vertebrates and invertebrates
A Critically
Endangered Blue-
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES TO
LINK WITH YOUR WORKSHOP
•
Investigate invertebrate classification by
paying a visit to the Tripa Research Station
in Monsoon Forest, where you will find some
amazing invertebrates!
After visit
• Play the A-Z game- go round the group in
order and name an animal they saw in the
zoo beginning with A…, B…, C…. See how
many your pupils can name and then try to
classify them into groups.
• Design imaginary creatures to fit into
specific vertebrate groups.
• Using the photos from your Zoo visit, get
your pupils to research their characteristics
and then group them correctly.
One of Chester
Zoo’s ever-popular