There is a particular need for inquiry-based lessons in the early elementary grades, when students are starting to develop their analytical skills. In this article, the authors present a 2-tiered inquiry-based lesson plan for 1st and 2nd grades that has been successfully used by graduate teaching fellows involved in the National Science Foundation…

This 23-minute videotape for grades 5-8, presents the myriad of animal life that exists on the planet. Students can view and perform experiments and investigations that help explain animal traits and habits. They learn what the terms "kingdom", "phylum", and "order" mean, and discover how the 3.5 million-plus organisms found on Earth fit into…

Presents different methods for teaching animal classification to young children. Discusses modeling, observation, and the use of Venn diagrams among other approaches. (NB)

Explains a study that assesses students' ideas about animals. Evaluates textbooks and trade books according to the identifications and words they use. Discusses student responses from different grade levels on the classification of animals and identifying what is an animal. Summarizes the results of the study and makes recommendations on the…

Designed to arouse interest in students about animals, this document was developed to provide teachers with a variety of information and teaching activities. The booklet is intended to enable students to become knowledgeable about science concepts relating to animals without the use of expensive equipment. The teaching activities deal with: (1)…

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…

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)

This learning packet, one in a group of eight, was developed by the Jockey's Ridge State Park in North Carolina for Grades 4-6 to learn about animal adaptation and behavior in the dune environment. Loose-leaf pages are presented in 10 sections that contain: (1) introductions to the North Carolina State Park System, the Jockey Ridge State Park, the…

Describes the construction and use of a shell-discovery kit for students to employ in actively investigating the natural world. (WRM)

Discusses five-kingdom classification and the changes in understanding over the years. First published in 1983. (YDS)

One of a series of documents produced by a nationwide network of early childhood education specialists, teachers, parents, and Head Start staff, this nature trail guide for exploring the outdoors is intended as a supplemental teaching aid for teachers or parents. The guide identifies and illustrates the most predominant and readily observable…

Described in this unit are three activities related to classification and fish identification. In the first activity students design and use a dichotomous key to common classroom items, while Activity B involves the construction of a key to Lake Erie fish families. During Activity C, each student writes a story and draws a humorous picture of a…

Described is a backyard activity that can be used to introduce children to the divisions of the plant and animal kingdoms in their local environment. Preparation, procedures and followup are discussed. Background information on taxonomy and two activity cards are provided. (CW)

Five activity booklets are presented for implementing Project EAGLE, an enrichment program for gifted and talented primary-level children. The first booklet, "Sound," contains four activity pages to accompany teaching of the concept that sound is transmitted through air to the ear. The "Groups 1" booklet provides nine…

Described is a classification activity that uses holiday greeting cards. Identification of animals, their characteristics, natural habitat, eating patterns, and geography are some of the suggested ways in which to classify the animals. (KR)