Science Year 6 Classification Connoisseurs

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.

Can you win at ‘odd one out’? If you can, you are well on your way to becoming a classification connoisseur. Try your hand at using branching classification keys to see if you can unlock the subtle differences between certain plants and animals.

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. Record data and results of increasing complexity using classification keys.
2. Report and present findings from enquiries, including conclusions, causal relationships and explanations of and degree of trust in results, in oral and written forms such as displays and other presentations.
3. Identify scientific evidence that has been used to support or refute ideas or arguments.

Have a go at coming up with your own feature-led sweets classification system then apply your classification knowledge and skills as you start creating more challenging zoological classification keys.

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, including recognising and controlling variables where necessary.
2. Record data and results of increasing complexity using classification keys.
3. Report and present findings from enquiries, including conclusions, causal relationships and explanations of and degree of trust in results, in oral and written forms such as displays and other presentations.

Gain your next qualification credit as you begin to put your classification skills to work: collect, record, classify and name some of the botanical beauties found on your doorstep.

Science Objectives
i) Give reasons for classifying plants and animals based on specific characteristics.

Working Scientifically

1. Record results of increasing complexity using scientific diagrams and labels and classification keys.
2. Report and present findings from enquiries in oral and written forms such as displays and other presentations.

The world is awash with unusual creatures, plants and organisms that need to be classified. Your studying is entering its advanced stages now and you need to show application of your skills.

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. Report and present findings from enquiries, including conclusions, causal relationships and explanations of and degree of trust in results, in oral and written forms such as displays and other presentations.
2. Identify scientific evidence that has been used to support or refute ideas or arguments.

Extended Writing Opportunity
Non-chronological report: Research some unusual living things and write up all findings in the form of a 'fact file'.

This is your opportunity to apply your skills and develop your drawing skills further to complement your classification skills. Can you push your qualification to distinction level as you design your own ‘new’ creatures to fit into the Animalia classification system?

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. Record data and results of increasing complexity using scientific diagrams and labels, and classification keys.
2. Report and present findings from enquiries, including conclusions, causal relationships and explanations of and degree of trust in results, in oral and written forms such as displays and other presentations.
3. Identify scientific evidence that has been used to support or refute ideas or arguments.

Other Curriculum Areas
Art

• Improve mastery of drawing using pencils