Introducing observable characteristics
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can group objects using observable characteristics.
Key learning points
- Objects can be organised into groups based on what they have in common.
- Observable characteristics can include information about colour, size, shape or structure.
- Observable characteristics help us to sort objects into common groups.
- A Venn diagram and a Carroll diagram are both ways of presenting objects belonging to more than one common group.
Keywords
Group - To group things is to put similar things together.
Common - To have something in common is to share interests or other characteristics with someone or something.
Observable characteristic - An observable characteristic is a feature or property of a living thing that we can see or use our other senses to observe.
Diagram - A diagram is a simplified representation of information.
Common misconception
Pupils sometimes rely upon an organism’s habitat to classify it, rather than its physical features; this can lead to misunderstandings and misclassification.
As you model groupings, be clear to use observable features of the objects you are grouping - focus on what you can observe as a characteristic of being human.
Teacher tip
It is more manageable to identify observable characteristics of up to ten pupils rather than the whole class. Be aware of differences which may be due to sensitive issues.
Equipment
None required.
Content guidance
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Humans ask to help them understand how and why things happen in the world.
Q2.Which of these questions can be answered with a yes or a no response?
Q3.Which of these question starters would give you a yes or no answer?
Q4.Why do scientists ask yes/no questions?
Q5.Look at the image. Which of the things listed would belong in this group?
Q6.Match the object to the the most suitable group.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.To group things is to put things together.
Q2.A group is made up of ...
Q3.Look at the image. What do the objects have in common?
Q4.An characteristic is a feature of a living thing that we can see or describe using our senses. We can use these to help identify the living thing.
Q5.Which of these are observable characteristics of a living thing?
Q6.Which of these ways to present information can be used to present objects belonging to more than one group?
To help you plan your 4 science lesson on: Introducing observable characteristics, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 science lesson on: Introducing observable characteristics, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Living things and the environment unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.