How and why we group plants

Science

Comparing characteristics of living things

How and why we group animals

Micro-organisms are living things

Grouping micro-organisms

Micro-organisms living on food: plan and do (non-statutory)

The 5 Rs (non-statutory Climate Change & Sustainability)

Microorganisms that help us (non-statutory)

Growing yeast: plan (non-statutory)

Growing yeast: do and review (non-statutory)

Micro-organisms living on food: review (non-statutory)

Carl Linnaeus and classification

Discovering and naming new species

In this Why we group and classify living things unit, pupils learn about why we classify plants and animals based on specific characteristics. In the Species and classification unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn more about the identification and classification of organisms, including at the cellular level.

In the Living things and the environment unit, pupils learnt to recognise that living things can be grouped in a variety of ways. In this Why we group and classify living things unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to give reasons for classifying plants and animals based on specific characteristics

This unit covers the classification of living things, including micro-organisms, plants, and animals, based on observable characteristics. It explores reasons for classification and focuses on planning scientific enquiries, recording data, presenting findings, and evaluating scientific evidence.

Why we group and classify living things

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Plants can be divided into groups by looking at similarities and {{}} between them.

Scientists group and classify plants to make it easier to {{}} them.

We can create {{}} keys by asking a series of yes/no questions about the observable characteristics of plants.

Which of these are not groups we can classify plants into?

Match the plant to the way it reproduces.

Which of these plants reproduce with spores?

supports other parts of the plant and transports water and nutrients

contains the reproductive parts of the plant

Match the part of the plant to its purpose.

In which part of the plant are seeds made?

When plants or animals make more of themselves it is called {{}}.

What do scientists use to classify living things into groups?

Which of these is not an observable characteristic of this plant?

How and why we group plants

Lesson outcome

Content guidance