Are these organisms animals? How do you know? Emphasize that the purpose of the discussion is not to establish a "right answer" but for students to examine their own initial ideas and hear each others' beginning ideas. (Perhaps someone else will share an idea they hadn't thought to say, but that sounds like something they've thought.)

Examine the table provided to your group Even though you know what an animal is, there were many different ways to describe it. At first scientists used to think that all living thins where either a plant or an animal. Today scientists have reached a consensus that thee are six categories and every living thing can be placed in one of these six categories. There are no protists on the table to avoid confusion since they do not have well defined traits.

Choose three descriptors that you would use to classify the organisms.

A CER is like a trial you find in a court of law! As a group write a CER – (Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning) Claim: A statement or conclusion that answers the original question/problem. Evidence: Scientific data that supports the claim. The data needs to be appropriate and sufficient to support the claim. This is raw data/information. DO NOT REASON/INTERPRET HERE! Reasoning: A justification that connects the evidence to the claim. It shows why the data counts as evidence, by using appropriate and sufficient scientific principles. A CER is like a trial you find in a court of law!

Write your CER to the following question What are the three best characteristics to use in classifying organisms?

CeR: Claim and evidence Claim: The 3 best characteristics to use for classifying organisms are: Types of cells, _______,______. Evidence: There are two types of cells, prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

CER: Reasoning Reasoning: Here you are going to explain why the evidence they selected led them to their claim. Essentially, share why you chose the 3 descriptors you did. The evidence should support the reasoning.

Walk About- Peer Feedback In your groups, walk around the room and review other groups ideas. Some questions you may ask are: Why did your group decide the most important evidence was.... How did your group use the evidence to decide.... Can you explain what you mean when you say.. Fill in the chart on your organizer as you review other groups’ ideas We agree/Disagree Why do you agree or disagree?

Revise Consider other groups’ ideas. You may revise your plan if you would like at this time.