Make arrangements for student use of the school computer lab for research. Provide examples
of taxonomy keys.
Explain the following:
It is very important that scientists learn how to organize information so that it makes
sense and can be used easily. One example of information organized by scientists is the
periodic table of elements. This method of organization allows us to understand how
elements will react with other elements. Scientists have also organized living things
into groups so that they can identify and study them. There are many systems of
classification.
The Internet site entitled, Grouping Your World, contains an activity that provides a
classification activity for students.
One way of organizing information is by constructing and using a taxonomy key. This
organizational tool has been around since the time of Aristotle. More than 2000 years ago,
he developed this system to organize living things. For example, a duck and a dog are
both are living, but they are very different. Scientists place the duck in a group of
animals called birds. Dogs are placed into the mammal group. A taxonomic key determines
the similarities and differences between things using paired statements. These statements
describe opposite characteristics.
Show students examples of taxonomy keys.
Ask them to practice choosing one statement out of the pair that happens to be true of the
object they are trying to identify. The statement chosen might take them to another pair
of statements or it may give them the name of the object.
Have students identify the 2002 Winter Olympic events and venues. Have students use the
information to make a taxonomy key. You might want to start this activity by asking the
question "Is the event held indoors or outdoors?" Continue using this method until you
have named each event.
Students will identify ways in which the 2002 Winter Olympic events and venues might
be grouped to enhance organization
Have students explain what would happen to the Winter Olympics if the planners of
the games were not organized?
Encourage students to organize their own mini-Olympics for the school using what
they have learned about classification.
