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Notice to Teachers

We have designed this fun hands-on lesson with your budget in mind using items that are commonly found around the classroom or home along with an MDE/NGSS aligned lesson plan. All your class needs to experience a fun, engaging STEM lesson in one place!

Using Dichotomous Keys to Identify Organisms

(G 5 - 8)

In this interactive lesson, students will learn how to use dichotomous keys, a tool used by scientists to identify organisms based on observable traits. Through hands-on activities and a video demonstration, students will practice creating and using dichotomous keys to classify various organisms. They will also explore the importance of accurate observation in scientific classification and understand how dichotomous keys are used to differentiate species.

Standards

MCCRS: L.6.4.1, L.6.4.2, MS-LS4-1, MS-LS4-2; NGSS Standards: MS-LS1-3, MS-LS2-4

Time Requirements:

Total Lesson Duration: 60 minutes

Students will leave with a solid understanding of how dichotomous keys are used to classify organisms and the importance of accurate observation in scientific inquiry.

Scroll Down to the bottom of the page to see all the great things that are included in this lesson!

What Comes with The Lesson?

Short Educational Video

2:36 min video demonstration on using dichotomous keys
Materials List
Lesson Plan
Classroom Practice Sheet

Class practice sheet for identifying organisms
Teacher Guide

Example guide for teachers on how to use a make/use a dichotomous key
Example Animal Pictures for Key

Photos to use for making a key