How and why we group animals
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how animals can be grouped using observable characteristics.
Key learning points
- Scientists group animals to make it easier to identify, name and learn about them.
- Animals can be divided into groups or 'classified' by looking at the similarities and differences between them.
- Animals are divided into two main groups: vertebrates (with a spine) and invertebrates (without a spine).
- Vertebrate and invertebrate groups can be divided further.
- We can create classification keys by asking a series of yes/no questions about the observable characteristics of things.
Keywords
Classify - To classify is to sort into groups.
Identify - To identify something is to be able to name it correctly.
Vertebrate - A vertebrate is an animal with an internal skeleton, including a spine.
Invertebrate - Animals that do not have bones, including a spine, on the inside of their bodies are invertebrates.
Classification key - Classification keys are diagrams which help us sort things into different groups.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that animals with soft, flexible bodies such as snakes or fish are invertebrates, or that any animal with a hard shell is a vertebrate.
Explain that the external appearance of an animal does not always give us enough information to classify it as a vertebrate or an invertebrate; the presence or absence of a backbone and internal skeleton is the only characteristic that matters.
Teacher tip
When pupils are creating their keys, ask them to write the name of each animal on a sticky note and physically move them down the branches of the key as they draw them. This lesson contains a diagnostic question on slides 10 and 11 - see additional materials for further guidance.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Vertebrates and invertebrates are types of animals. What do all vertebrates have that invertebrates do not have?
Q2.Which of these are not observable characteristics of a living thing?
Q3.Which of these is another word for an animal’s spine?
Q4.What does ‘internal’ mean?
Q5.Match the animal type to its characteristics.
Q6.What do we do when we classify things?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Animals can be divided into groups by looking at and differences between them.
Q2.What are the two main groups that scientists classify animals into?
Q3.Molluscs, insects, crustaceans and arachnids are all examples of animals.
Q4.Why do scientists group animals?
Q5.Match the animal to the correct group.
Q6.How do we create classification keys?
To help you plan your 6 science lesson on: How and why we group animals, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 science lesson on: How and why we group animals, 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 Why we group and classify living things unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.