To group things is to put similar things together.

Classification keys are diagrams which help us identify objects using yes/no questions.

To identify something is to be able to name it correctly.

A yes/no question is a type of sentence that asks something and is answered with only yes or no.

An observable characteristic is a feature or property of something that we can see or use our other senses to observe.

Classification keys

Science

Introducing observable characteristics

Grouping animals

Grouping plants

Identifying living things (non-statutory)

Classification keys to identify animals

Classification keys to identify plants

Environments and seasonal changes (Climate Change & Sustainability)

Extreme weather: flooding (non-statutory Climate Change & Sustainability)

Extreme weather: heatwaves and wild fires (non-statutory CC & Sustainability)

Land development and deforestation (Climate Change & Sustainability)

Waste creation and pollution (Climate change and sustainability)

Animals in danger (Climate Change & Sustainability)

Protecting animals in decline (non-statutory Climate Change & Sustainability)

Plants in danger (Climate Change & Sustainability)

Nature reserves (Climate change and sustainability)

Reforestation and recycling (Climate Change & Sustainability)

Environmental changes in the news (non-stat Climate Change & Sustainability)

How scientists communicate with the public (non-statutory)

In this Living things and the environment unit, pupils learn to explore and use classification keys to help group, identify and name living things. In the Why we group and classify living things unit, they will build on this knowledge to give reasons why we classify plants and animals based on specific characteristics

In the Living things and where they live unit, pupils learnt that things can be grouped into: alive, dead and never alive. In this Living things in the environment unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to recognsie that living things can be grouped in a wider variety of ways

This unit focuses on grouping living things and using classification keys to identify and name them in various environments. It explores how environmental changes can pose dangers to organisms. Emphasis is on asking questions, collecting data, and using evidence to support conclusions.

Living things and the environment

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Which groups could the object in the image below belong to?

Objects can be classified based on their similarities and {{}}.

The yes/no questions in a classification key are layered, each answer leads to a new {{}}.

Scientists use classification keys based on an object's {{}} characteristics.

Look at the classification key, which group does a teddy bear standing up, that has dark brown fur, belong to?

Which features do these living things have in common?

In which groups can a lizard, a swan and a deer belong to?

Match the animals to the correct animal group.

Which of these are observable characteristics of a tree?

What is it called when we sort objects or living things into groups?

How might a scientist record objects they have classified?

Classification keys

Lesson outcome

Content guidance