This booklet, one of six in the Living Things Science series, presents activities about diversity and classification of living things which address basic "Benchmarks" suggested by the American Association for the Advancement of Science for the Living Environment for grades 3-5. Contents include background information, vocabulary (in…

Provided is an activity for student-constructed dichotomous keys that requires nothing more than a pile of shoes. Examples and directions are given. (MA)

Describes an approach to teaching animal classification by applying a scientific examination of the types and arrangement of the teeth. This approach may be used by high school students. (HM)

Presents activities that use marine organisms with plant-like appearances to help students build classification skills and illustrate some of the less obvious differences between plants and animals. Compares mechanisms by which sessile plants and animals deal with common problems such as obtaining energy, defending themselves, successfully…

The author presents a dichotomous key to 29 tree cones, fruits, and nuts of eastern United States. Students can use the key to identify at least 10 species in a 1-hour laboratory assignment. This key uses reproductive structures that are significantly different from others. These structures are durable enough to be used in the laboratory for many…

A simple classification system for terrestrial plants is presented. The method is based on growth forms and avoids the need for identification to genus or species, although students could be encouraged to follow the work through to this level if appropriate. (Author/JN)

Presented are several classroom activities using fish. These include gyotaku (Japanese fish printing), use of a dichotomous key to classify fish, "invent-a-fish" activities, and others. Includes discussion of fish facts and copies of fish key and invent-a-fish cards. (JN)

Describes a laboratory exercise requiring students to separate a selected number of organisms into groups of increasing similarity and to relate these groups directly to the kingdom-species system of classification. (Author/MA)

Presents a lesson that uses the learning cycle to introduce the concept of classification and the use of dichotomous keys to identify plants and animals. Encourages students to become better observers and helps them gain confidence and experience in using simple classification keys. (JRH)

Argues for an original structure for field guides, a structure that encourages induction on the part of the student and allows the student to create flexible taxa based on ecologically and evolutionary relevant field marks. Students will become more familiar with the multiple bases of taxonomy. (PR)

Describes a game in which elementary school students learn the importance of plants and some techniques of plant identification. (LS)

Describes an introductory course in geology for nonscience majors that involves students in laboratory exercises related to rock classification. (GS)

Suggests classroom projects for investigating the diversity of insects. (LS)

Describes a unit on local history developed through the classification of projectile points which may be gathered on a field trip or viewed at a local museum. Suggestions for starting the unit and illustrating the nomenclature of projectile points are provided. (JM)