Unit Plan:
Classification & Taxonomy
7th Grade Biology
Louisa Bateman
Unit Goals
• Identify similarities
and differences among
organisms (Sci 5.2.5)
• Infer the
interrelatedness of
different organisms
(Sci 5.3.7)
• Classify organisms
according to similar
features (Sci 5.1.2)
• Use a classification
key to identify an
unknown organism
(Sci 5.2.6)
• Determine the genus
and species of an
organism using a
dichotomous key (Sci
5.3.8)
Day One: Why do we classify?
Lesson Focus:
• What is
classification?
• Why do scientists
classify organisms?
Instructional Sequence:
1. Bellringer
2. Pre-Assessment
3. Teacher demonstration/
Introduction
4. Preview essential
questions and vocabulary
5. Independent reading
6. Quick Lab- Branching
diagrams
7. Critical Thinking- Fruit
Classification activity
8. Lesson Summary
Branching Diagrams
Day Two: How do we classify?
Lesson Focus:
• What tools to
scientists use to
classify organisms?
Instructional Sequence:
1. Cooperative Learning
activity
2. Pre-Assessment/
Introduction
3. Preview essential
questions and vocabulary
4. Partner reading
5. Mnemonic device
6. Guided learningTaxonomy Chart
7. Lesson Summary
Classification of Living Things
Day Three: Using a Dichotomous Key
Lesson Focus:
• Use a dichotomous
key to identify an
unknown organism
Instructional Sequence:
1. Pre-Assessment
2. Introduction- 20
Questions
3. Preview essential
questions and vocabulary
4. Group Reading activity
5. Guided learningDichotomous Key
6. Partner Activity w/
Dichotomous Keys
7. Lesson Summary
Dichotomous Keys
Day Four: The Six Kingdoms
Lesson Focus:
• What are the
kingdoms of living
things?
• How are species
within a kingdom
similar and
different?
Instructional Sequence:
1. Bellringer/Introduction
2. Pre-Assessment
3. Jigsaw- Notes Chart
4. Guided learning- Kingdom
chart
5. Independent practiceKingdom Map
6. Lesson Summary
The Kingdoms of Living Things
Day Five: Unit Assessment &
Nomenclature Lab
Lesson Focus:
• Naming unknown
organisms
Instructional Sequence:
1. Pre-Assessment
2. Assessment
3. Guided practice- Shape
Island Lab
4. Group Discussion
5. Independent practiceCreative writing activity
6. Learn the Classification
Song
7. Unit Celebration!