Morgana Radelt
Lesson Plan (Direct)
April 2012
Classification Catastrophe!
A Direct Lesson on Taxonomy and Animal Classification
Purpose (Teacher Version)
The purpose of this lesson is to introduce taxonomy and the classification of animals.
This relates directly to the Big Idea “Students will understand classification” and “Students will
understand the scientific process”. The essential questions are “Why is classification important
in life science?” and “How does classification help us understand the relationship amongst
animals?” This focuses on the target skills of “Students will be able to describe [identify]
‘physical characteristics’ (traits),” “recite the levels of taxonomy and explain its use in life
science,” and “classify animals based on similar characteristics.” A follow up lesson will
discuss the essential question “How does classification help us understand the relationship
between prehistoric and modern animals?” and the related target skill: “Students will be able to
use classification to compare the similarities between prehistoric and modern species”.
The students will begin by learning information from a song, followed by a class
discussion. The activity will be a group-lab practicing animal classification. The lesson will end
with a discussion of the activity and a review of the target concepts.
Standards
L.EV.M.1 Species Adaptation and Survival (Life Science, Evolution) –
-
L.EV.05.12 – Describe the physical characteristics (traits) of organisms that help
them survive in their environment.
L.EV.M.2 Relationships among Organisms (Life Science, Evolution) –
-
L.EV.05.21
– Relate degree of similarity in anatomical features to the classification of contemporary
organisms.
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Morgana Radelt
Lesson Plan (Direct)
April 2012
Objectives (Teacher Version)
The lesson will focus on the levels of taxonomy and the basic concept of animal classification. By
the end of the lesson, students should be able to list the 7 levels of taxonomy, explain what a kingdom is,
and explain why classification is useful for science.
Behavior (Students should be able to…)
…identify the 7 levels of taxonomy, and explain what a kingdom is.
…explain why classification is useful for science.
…design a basic 2-level classification model based on physical adaptations.
Conditions – (Teacher will introduce the topic before moving onto the activity).
Time: 15-20 minutes for initial instruction, 20-30 minutes for activity, 10 minutes for wrap
up and class discussion.
Layout: Teacher InstructionClass DiscussionActivityClass Discussion
Supplies: Worksheets, lab supplies, video (two), copies of the lyrics
Criteria (Students will be able to successfully…)
…identify at least 5 of 7 levels of taxonomy.
…identify at least 3 kingdoms and their major characteristic.
…explain why classification is useful to science.
…design at least 1 basic 2-level classification model based on physical adaptations
Materials
(1) Projector
(5) Laminated Animal Cards
(2) Video (Animal (Classification) Song)
(6) Homework (Students Save Science!)
(3) Video (Adaptations Song)
(7) Copy of lyrics
(4) Worksheet (Classification Catastrophe!)
(8) Pencils, science journals
Lesson Format
OPEN
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Morgana Radelt
Lesson Plan (Direct)
April 2012
Anticipatory Set (Student Version)
Focus:
“Alright everyone, it’s time for SCIENCE! Open your science journals to page (x), the KWL
chart for taxonomy and classification. I want you to think about what you know about
classification and what you want to learn. Who remembers what it means to classify something?
Objective:
(After KWL chart is finished) Well, today we are going to learn a new way of classifying. In
biology, scientists use a type of classification called ‘Taxonomy’ to put living things into groups
based on their characteristics. The bigger it is, the more broad the characteristic. As you move
down the list, the groups get smaller and the characteristics more specific all the way down to
species, like humans, dogs, cats, apples, oranges, and more!”
“So to make sure we understand taxonomy and classification we are going to do a few
things. First we will review what we’ve learned about physical adaptations. I hope you liked the
music because we’re going to listen to it again! And then we’re going to listen to a new song
about classification. Finally, we’re going to get into our lab groups and create our own method
of animal classification.
Purpose:
“You may be wondering why Taxonomy is important. The simple answer is that it makes biology
easier to study! When you use taxonomy, you can see how animals are related to each other. And then if
you really want to get fancy, you can even use it to see how animals evolved!
Pre-assessment:
Students will fill out a KWL (Know, Want to Know, and Learned) sheet. We will discuss
this as a class (each student saying 1K and 1W). If there are any additional KWs that were not
mentioned, they can be added once everyone has spoken. It will be reviewed at the end.
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Morgana Radelt
Lesson Plan (Direct)
April 2012
BODY
Input (“I Do”):
Provide Input: (Teacher will…)
…review adaptations with the YouTube video by Mr. Parr (Adaptations Song).
…introduce taxonomy with another video by Mr. Parr – Animal (Classification) Song.
…discuss the focus of the lesson: the levels of taxonomy, and how and why it is used.
Key Terms and Definitions:
Classification – Grouping items based on similar characteristics
Taxonomy - The science of classifying (organizing) living things based on similar
characteristics (Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species).
Physical Characteristic (trait) – A distinct physical quality that an animal is born with
Check for Understanding:
 There will be a question-answer review of concepts, additional instruction if necessary.
 A classification example of the group activity will be done on the overhead.
Guided Practice (“We Do”):
In groups, students will classify creatures into two levels, as in taxonomy. They will pick
a broad feature (all land animals) and then group them by two separate features (i.e. animals with
scales and animals with fur). At the end of the activity, students will choose a member of their
group to share one of their models.
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Morgana Radelt
Lesson Plan (Direct)
April 2012
CLOSE
Closure (Student Version):
(After discussion is over) “Take out your KWL sheet from earlier and fill in the ‘learned’
section. If there is anything more you would like to learn, go ahead and add that, too. While we
do that, let’s review what we’ve learned. Who can tell me what it means to classify something?
(Continue until the target concepts are covered, give detailed review wherever necessary).”
(After review) “For homework, you have a worksheet called “Students Save Science”. (Pass
out worksheet and go over instructions). “Great job, everyone! I think you’ve earned another
listen to that song! And don’t hesitate to sing and dance along! (Play song)
Closure (Teacher Version):
Following the class discussion of the group models, the teacher will return to the board to
discuss and review the target concepts. Students should be instructed to take out their KWL
charts and fill in the rest of their chart, including any additional things they would like to learn.
Students should be instructed to turn these in (method up to the teacher). Question-answer
should be used, and any additional explanation or review should be given at this time. The
teacher should explain the homework to the students at this time. Once all this is finished, the
students will have the opportunity to listen to the song again.
Independent Practice (“You Do”):
 Assigned homework will reinforce the learned concepts, and will include the connecting
questions “How can it be used for relating prehistoric to modern animals?” (lead-up to next
lesson), and “How can you use this for your project?” (Unit Project)
 Anchor Activities will be provided, including a classification game that resembles the class
activity, study flashcards, and the opportunity to perform the song used in the lesson.
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Morgana Radelt
Lesson Plan (Direct)
April 2012
Assessment
Homework:
This will be considered ‘formative’ and will be awarded points for completion and effort. Students
will be allowed to fix any mistakes made without penalty. (Worksheet included).
Unit Test:
The concept of classification and taxonomy will be assessed at this time via term definition (matching
and fill in the blank). As the taxonomy levels are not required by the GLCE, just the understanding of
the concept of classification, bonus points will be awarded to those who can list the levels of
taxonomy in the correct order.
Unit Project:
Students will use what they have learned from this unit to classify their prehistoric animals based on
similar characteristics with a modern animal. Students will need to explain which animal it resembles.
They are encouraged to incorporate the level in which the species branches from each other.
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Morgana Radelt
Lesson Plan (Direct) – Pre-Assessment and Notes
Name
April 2012
Date
UNIT VOCABULARY
(Format Example)
DEFINITION
Classification
YOUR OWN WORDS
A PICTURE TO HELP YOU REMEMBER
DEFINITION
Taxonomy
YOUR OWN WORDS
A PICTURE TO HELP YOU REMEMBER
JOURNAL PAGE
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Morgana Radelt
Lesson Plan (Direct) – Pre-Assessment and Notes
Name
April 2012
Date
KWL CHART
Classification and Taxonomy
K: What do you Know about Classification and Taxonomy?
W: What do you Want to know about
Classification?
L: What have you Learned about Classification?
Questions You Would Like to Ask:
1.
2.
JOURNAL PAGE
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Morgana Radelt
Name
Lesson Plan (Direct) – Pre-Assessment and Notes
April 2012
Date
NOTES
Classification and Taxonomy
JOURNAL PAGE
page {9}
Morgana Radelt
Lesson Plan (Direct) – Class Activity
Name
April 2012
Date
CLASSIFICATION CALAMITY!
The scientists of the world
need
your
help!
taxonomy
The
have
rules
of
suddenly
disappeared! And knowing what
great science students you are,
they’ve asked you to help them
reclassify the animals of the world!
To
help
you
with
this
monumental task, the scientists have
given you a set of photographs of
animals they think can help you get
started. Don’t worry! The scientists
have provided you with the steps
needed to complete this task:
1. Pick a broad physical characteristic (such as land-animals). Gather all the
cards that fit in that group.
2. Then, take those cards and pick 2-3 specific characteristics you can see.
Separate those animals into 2-3 groups.
3. When you’re done, try it again! For the sake of SCIENCE!
4. Remember to write down your data! Those scientists are counting on you!
JOURNAL PAGE
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Lesson Plan (Direct) – Class Activity
Morgana Radelt
Name
April 2012
Date
Other Group member’s:
CLASSIFICATION CALAMITY DATA SHEET
(Level Description)
(Level Description)
(Level Description)
Animals in this Level
Animals in this Level


JOURNAL PAGE
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Lesson Plan (Direct) –Animal Cards (Class Activity)
Morgana Radelt
April 2012
The following pictures are samples that can be used for the animal cards.
Gentoo Penguin
Gentoo Penguin
Ostrich
Labrador
Eagle
Eagle Chicks
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Lesson Plan (Direct) –Animal Cards (Class Activity)
Morgana Radelt
April 2012
Lion with cubs
Lion Cubs
Tiger with Cubs
Leopard
Elephant
Elephant with baby
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Lesson Plan (Direct) –Animal Cards (Class Activity)
Morgana Radelt
April 2012
Wolf
Wolf Pups
Alligator with Baby
Alligator
Dauschund with puppies
Clown Fish
Blue-Fish
Humpback Whale
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Lesson Plan (Direct) –Animal Cards (Class Activity)
Morgana Radelt
April 2012
Dolphins
Beluga Whale
Turtle in water
Turtle
Alligator with baby
Owls
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Morgana Radelt
Lesson Plan (Direct) – Homework Assessment
Name
April 2012
Date
Students Save Science!
GREAT
Blanchard
received
NEWS!
Dr.
her
team
and
the
data
you
collected and are excited with
the results.
As the newspaper says,
they
still
need
to
piece
together any information out
there
on
taxonomy.
Dr.
Blanchard is asking for one
more
favor:
information
to
gather
you’ve
the
learned
about taxonomy and submit it
to the university.
She’s supplied us with a questionnaire to fill out, which I’ve attached
to this sheet. She also says “any other information you can give us, will be
useful; especially anything having to do with prehistoric animals.”
We can’t disappoint them! Let’s get out there, and show them what
we know! FOR SCIENCE!
JOURNAL PAGE
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Lesson Plan (Direct) – Homework Assessment
Morgana Radelt
Name
April 2012
Date
Students Save Science!
Taxonomy and Animal Classification Questionnaire
1. What is Taxonomy?
2. Who first the system for classifying organisms?
3. How is Taxonomy useful to scientists?
4. What are the 7 levels of taxonomy?
(1).
(5).
(2).
(6).
(3).
(7).
(4).
Name 3 kingdoms and one major characteristic of that kingdom:
(1).
(2).
(3).
5. What two levels do scientists use for the scientific name of an animal?
JOURNAL PAGE
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Morgana Radelt
Lesson Plan (Direct) – Homework Assessment
Name
April 2012
Date
CONNECTING QUESTION:
6. How is Taxonomy and Animal Classification helpful when relating prehistoric
to modern animals?
JOURNAL PAGE
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Morgana Radelt
Lesson Plan (Direct) Song Lyrics
April 2012
Animal (Classification) Song Lyrics
Mr. Parr (http://youtu.be/dnF_UdPbJZ0)
His name was Linnaeus
Observing life to base his system
Binomial Nomenclature
This is how all life was classified
Six Kingdoms
Archaebacteria
Eubacteria
Protests, fungi
The Plants and Animals
Grouped how they make food and on cell type
And the number of cells inside
(Chorus)
The seven,
Levels
Kingdom, Phylum
And then,
Class, Order, Family, Genus
Species is the last one, that's right
It's just
Taxonomy
Oh why
Do we group the animals?
Why do we classify plants?
Makes them easier to study
Ancient Bacteria
Live in environments that are extreme
But Eubacteria
Will live everywhere else
And the Protist group is wide
Some are Autotrophs
And Heterotrophs
Fungi, they are Eukaryotes
They feed on dead, decaying you
(Chorus)
The seven,
Levels
Kingdom, Phylum
And then,
Class, Order, Family, Genus
Species is the last one, that's right
It's just
Taxonomy
Oh why
Do we group the animals?
Why do we classify plants?
Makes them easier to study
Without Plants,
The world is quiet
Flowers, Trees
And Mosses have it
Animals find and eat their food
And Sexually Reproduce
They move from place to place
They move from place to place
Classify again, Classify again, Classify again,
(Chorus)
The seven,
Levels
Kingdom, Phylum
And then,
Class, Order, Family, Genus
Species is the last one, that's right
It's just
Taxonomy
Oh why
Do we group the animals?
Why do we classify plants?
Makes them easier…
Makes them easier... to study
Makes them easier... to study
Makes them easier
Makes them easier to study
It's just
Taxonomy
Oh why
Do we group the animals?
Why do we classify plants?
Makes them easier to study
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Morgana Radelt
Lesson Plan (Direct) Song Lyrics
April 2012
Adaptations Song
Mr. Parr (http://youtu.be/l-1WzDLCHmA)
Bababa...baba
There is no one like me
Th-th-there is no one like me, (Mr. Parr) like me
Adaptations take a look and you'll see
(Yeah, they're pretty much amazing)
There is no one like me
There is no one like me (Adaptations)
Adaptations will explain all this madness
Helps creatures to survive in environments
You might think that these were all sudden changes
But it can be long or short like genetic mutations
Yeah these are behavioral
Birds migrate to get away from the chill
Like, like some bears will deep sleep
They gotta hibernate food is decreased
To keep protected through the dopest of methods
Try to be undetected not be someone's breakfast
Yes, can save a prey from predation
These are examples of Behavioral adaptations
Adaptations take a second look and you'll see
(you'll see)
There is no one like me (like me)
Th-Th-There is no one like me
(Like me La, La, La, Like me)
Adaptations you better reconsider (consider)
'Cause you will never do better (do better)
There is no one like me, like me
(there is no one like me)
See this is adaptations right here,
Know what I'm saying?
Adaptations (What's going on with the animals?)
Adaptations
I say camouflage
Can help them hide, it can make them blend
Help to survive in environments
Like mimicr-i
Pronounced mimicry like a hoverfly
I'm talking 'bout physical
Most of these are typical
Can be body covering
Changes are structural
Parts of the body
They can have webbed feet
Helping with swimming make you fast to catch meat
Another change is a set of sharp teeth
Used for tearing flesh, show of power-retreat!
Ha, striped fur is invisible
Hiding in the tall grass jumping out to eat animals
The moist slick skin is good for amphibians
Well suited for water with their slimy covering
Fur, beaks, feathers, wings for flying
These are examples of physical adaptations
Adaptations take a second look and you'll see
(you'll see)
There is no one like me (like me)
Th-Th-There is no one like me
(Like me La, La, La, Like me)
Adaptations you better reconsider (consider)
You will never do better (do better)
There is no one like me, like me (there is no one like me)
Adaptations
Animals have evolved over time
Change...ughh...adaptations...right
Body parts, body coverings, and behaviors
And they're pretty much amazing
Adaptations take a look and you'll see
There is no one like me (Adaptations)
Th-Th-There is no one like me
(Yea, these are genetic switches)
Adaptations you better reconsider
'Cause you will never do better
There is no one like me, like me
(See you can keep searchin' and searchin')
Adaptations
You gotta see the changing
How long will that take...I'll wait
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Morgana Radelt
Lesson Plan (Direct) Bibliography
April 2012
Bibliography
Christian Hirche (2012). The Newspaper Clipping Generator. Fodey.Com.
http://www.fodey.com/generators/newspaper/snippet.asp (Accessed: March 2012)
Michigan Department of Education (2012). Grade Level Content Expectations – 5th Grade
Science (V.1.09). Lansing, MI. (Accessed: January 2012)
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/5-Science_COMPLETE_12-10-07_218320_7.pdf
ParrMr (2011). Animal (Classification) Song [Video file]. (Accessed: March 2012)
http://youtu.be/dnF_UdPbJZ0
ParrMr (2011). Adaptations Song [Video file]. (Accessed: March 2012)
http://youtu.be/l-1WzDLCHmA
Images:
Barnett, Lindsay and Jonathan Nackstrand [Photographer] (2010). “Your morning adorable:
Triplet Lion Cubs Make Their Debut at Israeli Zoo”. L.A. Times. [Image/News] (Accessed:
March 2012) http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2010/02/your-morning-adorabletriplet-lion-cubs-make-their-debut-at-israeli-zoo.html
BBC (2012). “Barn Owls”. BBC.co.uk. [Image/News] (Accessed: March 2012)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/insideout/content/image_galleries/east_barnowls_12_3_gallery.shtml?5
Brough, David (2012). “True Percula Clownfish”. Animal-World.com. [Image/Web] (Accessed:
March 2012) http://animal-world.com/encyclo/marine/clowns/truepercula.php
Couts, Andrew (2011). “Translation Technology May Let Humans Speak with Dolphins”.
Digital Trends. [Image/News] (Accessed: March 2012)
http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/translation-technology-may-let-humans-speak-with-dolphins/
Ducey, James E. (2009). “Raptor Journal Published in Russia Helps Conservation World-wide”.
Wildbirds Broadcasting. [Image/Blog] (Accessed: March 2012)
http://wildbirdsbroadcasting.blogspot.com/2009/01/raptor-journal-published-in-russia.html
Joubert, Beverly (2005). “African Elephant”. National Geographic. [Image/Web] (Accessed:
March 2012) http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/african-elephant/
page {21}
Morgana Radelt
Lesson Plan (Direct) Bibliography
April 2012
Joubert, Beverly (2012). "Leopard." National Geographic. [Image/Web] (Accessed: March 2012)
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/leopard/
Kinchington, Peter (2009).“Gentoo Penguin Swimming at Melbourne Aquarium” Photo.net.
[Image/Web] (Accessed: March 2012) http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8450869
Ms. Tan (2010). “08 Beluga Whale”. rgsbio09 – Ms. Tan’s Biology Online Lesson Site. [Image/
Blog] (Accessed: March 2012) http://rgsbio09.wikispaces.com/08%20Beluga%20Whale
Pauley, Kristen [Photographer] (2011). “Pregnancy & Whelping” dachworld.com. [Image/Web]
(Accessed: March 2012) http://www.dachworld.com/pregnancywhelping.htm
Robertson, Duncan [Photographer] (Unknown). “Struthio camelus (Common ostrich)”.
Biodiversity Explorer. [Image/Blog] (Accessed: March 2012)
http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/birds/struthionidae/struthio_camelus.htm
Rosa, Chris (2010). “Alligator Hunters Facing Cheap Prices”. VermilionToday.com.
[Image/News] (Accessed: March 2012)
http://www.kaplantoday.com/view/full_story/9304401/article-Alligator-hunters-facingcheap-prices?instance=secondary_stories_left_column
Seaman, Richard (2012). “Hawaiian Turtles”. The Flying Kiwi. [Image/Blog] (Accessed: March
2012) http://www.richard-seaman.com/Underwater/Hawaii/Turtles/index.html
Wong, Jackson [Photographer] (Unknown). “Songs Of The Humpback Whale - Dr. Roger Payne
(1991 Cd Liner Notes)”. Tutunui-Wananga. [Image/Blog] (Accessed: March 2012)
http://tutunui-wananga.blogspot.com/2011/06/songs-of-humpback-whale-dr-roger-payne.html
Unknown. "Gentoo Penguins, Pygoscelis papua at MarineBio.org". MarineBio.org. [Image/Web]
http://marinebio.org/species.asp?id=650
Unknown. “Snake”. whereincity.com. [Image/Web] (Accessed: March 2012)
http://www.whereincity.com/india-kids/animals/snake.htm
Unknown (2004). “Labrador Retriever” Wikipedia.org. [Image/Web] (Accessed: March 2012)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labrador_Retriever
Unknown (2009). “Setback for the Gray Wolf”. Nature’s Crusaders. [Image/Blog] (Accessed:
March 2012) http://naturescrusaders.wordpress.com/2009/03/07/setback-for-the-gray-wolf/
page {22}
Morgana Radelt
Lesson Plan (Direct) Bibliography
April 2012
Unknown (2009). “Wolf Wallpaper”. 1024x768 Wallpapers. [Image/Web] (Accessed: March
2012) http://1024-768-wallpaper.blogspot.com/2009/11/wolf-wallpaper.html
Unknown (2011). “Elephant Wallpaper Pack 2”. Photo Wallpaper Share. [Image/Web]
(Accessed: March 2012) http://photowallshared.blogspot.com/2011/05/elephant-wallpaperpack-2-1600x1200.html
Unknown (2011). “Siberian Tigers” Tiger Wallpapers. [Image/Web] (Accessed: March 2012)
http://tigerwallpapers.blogspot.com/2011/06/siberian-tigers.html
Unknown (2011). “Wildlife Animals Photos at Wildlife Animal Planet: Lion, Lion on Attack,
Lion with Cubs”. Wildlife Animal Planet. [Image/Blog] (Accessed: March 2012)
http://wildlife-animal-planet.blogspot.com/2010/10/aggresive-lion-lion-on-attck-lion-with.html
Unknown (2012). “Baby Alligator Grins…” Care2.com. [Image/Blog] (Accessed: March 2012)
http://www.care2.com/news/member/250226166/3113698
Unknown (2012). “Eagle: Info-Facts and Photos” Animal Wildlife. [Image/Blog]
http://wildlifeanimalz.blogspot.com/2012/01/eagle-info-facts-and-photos.html
Unknown (2012). “Pictures Fish”. FishFish.net. [Image/Blog] (Accessed: March 2012)
http://www.fishfish.net/pictures-fish
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