Finding Linnaeus

Science Year 6
This unit is part of Year 6 Science Classification Connoisseurs

Objectives

Meet the father of classification and have a look at his classic system still used today.

Science Objectives
i) Describe how living things are classified into broad groups according to common observable characteristics and based on similarities and differences, including microorganisms, plants and animals.

ii) Give reasons for classifying plants and animals based on specific characteristics.

Working Scientifically

  1. Plan different types of scientific enquiries to answer questions.
  2. Record results of increasing complexity using scientific diagrams and labels, and classification keys.
  3. Report and present findings from enquiries, including conclusions, in oral and written forms such as displays and other presentations.
  4. Identify scientific evidence that has been used to support or refute ideas or arguments.

Extended Writing Opportunity
Chronological report or persuasive writing: Write a chronological report about the life and work of Carl Linnaeus or a persuasive piece of writing arguing why he is one of the greatest scientists.

Lesson Planning

Teaching

  • Know who Linnaeus was and learn about his classification system.
  • Explore classification systems, understanding that they group according to similarities and differences.

Activities

  1. Meet Linnaeus and learn about his classification system.
  2. Create classification routes for a range of living things, identifying relatedness.

Vocabulary
Classification, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species, Linnaeus, opinion, similarities, differences