9/21/11 (WED) : LAB THE MISSING LINK Describe how dichotomous keys help in identifying organisms.
OBJECTIVE Students will use common nails, screws, and bolts to simulate the process of applying classification to living organisms or fossil life forms.
PURPOSE To collect, analyze, and interpret information about objects in order to classify them using a dichotomous key.
PART 1 Classify your hardware organisms into groups. Sketch, label and name each organism you have classified and then list the common characteristics of each of your groups.
PART 2 Create a dichotomous key (using series of paired statements) to identify the hardware organisms “Dichotomous Key to 12 Common Hardware Organisms” (Pg. 226 in txtbk)
TO BEGIN... 1) Take objects out of bag and count them (12). 2) Put into two groups (shape of head - flat round). 3) Sketch and label with appropriate name.
HARDWARE ORGANISMS... A. NAIL B. FLAT-HEAD WOOD SCREW (GREY) C. FLAT-HEAD DRY WALL SCREW (BLACK) D. WHITE PLASTIC SCREW ANCHOR E. ROUND-HEAD SCREW F. FLAT-HEAD SCREW G. METAL SCREW ANCHOR H. NUT WITH BOLT I. LARGE/TINY SCREW J. VERY LONG/SHORT SCREW/BOLT K. VERY BIG SCREW/BOLT L. WASHER