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Description: Students will practice individually to make a classification tree and key,
using imaginary creatures.
Materials needed:
• Student worksheet that follows
Scoring guide: Check that there are the correct number of branches for the
classification tree and that the forks in the branches are reasonable. Make sure there
are the correct number of choice pairs on the key, the choices in the pairs are related
and that each line has a number and letter, choice, and consequence.
Title: Making a Classification Key Name__________________________
Introduction: Scientists make classification keys to help them name living things. The
keys describe the organisms and give the scientific names. In this activity you will make
a classification key for some imaginary creatures.
Procedure:
1. Look carefully at the creatures pictured. See what traits they have in common and
which are different. Give them a name that will identify them.
2. Use the branching “tree” in the data to begin. Along the arrows, write a description of
the trait you are using to separate the creatures into categories. Write the number of
the creatures still in the group in the box so you can remember which are in each group.
3. Now divide each of the first two groups again by another characteristic. Write it in
the box and put the number below. Keep going until each creature is by itself. Give
them names when they are completely described on your key.
4. Do both sides of the key until all creatures have a name.
Organisms:
Data: on back
Analysis:
3. What is an important trait that separates the plant and animal kingdoms?
4. Use someone else’s key to identify a creature. Did you find the same name for the
same creature as they did?
Why?
All Creatures
Classification Key
1. …………………………
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2. …………………………
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3. …………………………
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4. …………………………
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5. …………………………
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6. …………………………
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7. …………………………
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