Dichotomous Key

dichotomous key a tool used to identify an unknown object.

How to read a dichotomous key: Look at the object!! Always start at the top of the dichotomous key. Read both statements and decide which statement best fits your object. Follow the directions after the statement. When you come to the name of your object, you are done

What letter does this symbol represent?  1a It has only a circle or only a square……….go to 2. 1b It has both a circle and a square………….go to 3. 2a It has 3 dots……………………………….letter E. 2b It has 3 dashes…………………………….letter F. 3a It has a square inside of a circle…………..letter A. 3b It has a circle inside of a square…………..go to 4. 4a It has one dot in the middle of the circle…..letter G. 4b It has two dots in the middle of the circle….letter H.

Classification

classification grouping objects together based on shared characteristics.

How to make a classification diagram: Read the entire list of objects. Decide on a label that will include all of the objects in the group (write it in the top box). Divide the objects into smaller groups based on shared characteristics. Continue to divide the objects into smaller groups until each object has its own, unique spot (and label) on the chart.

A classification diagram shows how items can be grouped according to shared characteristics: students boys girls jeans shorts flip-flops tennis shoes brown or black hair blond or red hair first name A-L last name M-Z