To observe is to look very closely and use other senses too.

We put similar things together in groups.

An observable characteristic is a feature of a living thing that we can see or describe using our senses. We can use these to help identify it.

To classify is to sort objects into groups based on their similarities and differences.

Grouping plants

Science

Introducing observable characteristics

Grouping animals

Identifying living things (non-statutory)

Classification keys

Classification keys to identify animals

Classification keys to identify plants

Environments and seasonal changes

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

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

Changing environments: land development and deforestation

Changing environments: waste creation and pollution

Animals in danger

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

Changing environments: plants in danger

Changing environments: nature reserves

Changing environments: reforestation and recycling

Environmental changes in the news (non-statutory)

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

Activity that requires collection of items from an area (room, building).

Which of these are features of some plants?

Which of the plants listed could be added to the group of plants that are trees?

Which of these are observable characteristics of plants with flowers?

When scientists group plants based on their similarities and differences it is called {{}}.

All the plants in this group have thorns.

All the leaves in this group have rounded lobes.

All the plants in this group are very small.

Match the description of the plant groups to its correct observable characteristic.

In which group would moss, ferns and conifers be classified?

takes up water and nutrients from the soil and anchors the plant

carries water and nutrients to different parts of the plant

Match the parts of the plant to its function.

Which of these are observable characteristics?

To show objects that have features in common.

Why might a scientist use this type of diagram ?

What is the name of this type of diagram?

Starter Quiz