Kenan Fellows
Use of Dichotomous Keys to Identify Stream Organisms
What kind of organisms are living in the stream? After an explanation on how to use a dichotomous key, groups of three to four use the keys to identify macroinvertebrates from a local freshwater stream. Using the the concept of Stream...
Discovery Education
The Key to It All
Which characteristics make organisms unique? Dichotomous keys simplify the process of classifying organisms by focusing on these unique characteristics. Young scholars learn how to use the dichotomous key flow chart by creating their own...
Curated OER
Animal Identification Keys
A clever presentation introduces youngsters to animal identification keys. On the first slide, viewers choose an animal and then answer yes-or-no questions about its characteristics. When they have completed the process, they click on a...
Curated OER
Introducing the Use of Dichotomous Keys to Students
Students are introduced to the use of dichotomous keys as a simple means of beginning scientific observations in nature. They comprehend how to use a dichotomous key. Students distinguish characteristics of a group of organisms. They...
Captain Planet Foundation
Which Plant Is Which?
Learn about dichotomous keys, plant identification, and how to care for the planet with a lesson that includes several hands-on and innovative activities. Kids go on a plant scavenger hunt and classify the plants that they find...
Curated OER
"Finding Your Sweet Tooth"--An Introduction to the Dichotomous Key
Sixth graders classify candy according to observable characteristics. They use a dichotomous key to identify their bag of "treats." Thus, describe how dichotomous keys help to the identifying of organisms. Design a self-generated...
Curated OER
Species Identification Using Dichotomous Keys
To help your students unlock the wonderful world of living things, teach them to use a dichotomous key.
Curated OER
Dichotomous Keys
Students define the word dichotomous and explain why a dichotomous key is a useful tool in identifying different species. Then they look up words they are unfamiliar with or mollusk reference books so students can
learn the names of...
Curated OER
Dichotomous Key
Students draw comparisons between organisms. They classify organisms. Students are introduced to dichotomous keys and how to create and use a dichotomous key to identify a variety of objects. They begin by defining classification, and...
Curated OER
Dichotomous Key 2
Students use a dichotomous key to identify unknown fictitious organisms in an assessment designed to be used after a discussion on the use of a dichotomous keys has occurred. Follow up questions about key included.
Curated OER
Classification Schemes
Junior biologists journey through the hiearchy of living things with these activites. Using a dichotomous key, they identify common algae, plants, and fish. They design their own key for a mixture of seeds and a collection of...
NASA
The Types of Clouds and What They Mean
Learn to forecast the weather using cloud types. Budding meteorologists identify cloud types and learn to use a dichotomous key. As scholars develop observation and identification skills, they discover how different cloud types cause...
Curated OER
Discovering Dichotomous Keys
Learners become familiar with the structure and use of dichotomus keys. They demonstrate a comprehension of the fundamental principles of taxonomy by classifying organisms from a local ecosystem. Students are introduced to the term...
Curated OER
Constructing a Dichotomous Key
Students construct a dichotomous key using 10 shoes from students in the classroom. In this dichotomous key lesson plan, students use the chalk board and their pile of 10 shoes to create a dichotomous key. They divide the shoes into 2...
Curated OER
Creating a Dichotomous Key for Amphibians
Learners are introduced to the purpose of dichotomous keys and create one together as a class. In groups, they use a digital atlas to examine the different types of amphibians in Idaho. Using this information, they make their own...
Curated OER
Desinging and Using a Dichotomous Key
High schoolers are examine the purpose of dichotomous keys. In groups, they design their own in order to describe the characteristics of plants and weeds native to California. To end the lesson, they define new terminology associated...
Curated OER
Name that metal!
Learners have to have had some experience with metals prior to using this worksheet. They are given five properties common to five different metals. They create or use a dichotomous key to identify the five mystery metals. Tip: This...
Curated OER
The Sky and the Dichotomous Key
Students use a dichotomous key to distinguish between different types of clouds
Curated OER
Dichotomous Keys
Students classify objects and organisms using a dichotomous key. They are shown a demo by the teacher and then practice on their own. They discover why classification is important.
Curated OER
Dichotomous Key
Eighth graders use a dichotomous key to identify unknown fictitious organisms. They work individually during this exercise. The task is designed to take students approximately 15-25 minutes to complete.
Curated OER
Dichotomous Keys
Students utilize dichotomous keys to identify trees in their schools. In this ecological identification lesson, students practice creating dichotomous keys based on simple subjects such as hair color or sex of a person. Students use...
Curated OER
Classification, Keys, and Phylogenetci Trees
Students analyze relationships about animals and create a model of classifications based on both the similarities and the differences. They also discuss a dichotomous key before they create a cladograph using different types of candy.
ARKive
Species Discovery
How do you classify a newly discovered species? Learners view a presentation and complete research about biodiversity and the classification hierarchy. The lesson includes activities with dichotomous keys and work on classifying both...
Curated OER
Name that plant!
What is a dichotomous key? When your kids ask, hand them a learning exercise like this one, to explain it. They use the key to identify four different trees, based on the budding twigs they've produced. Tip: Have learners extend this...