1. Classification Activity Survey of Modern Kingdoms Engagement
Biodiversity
Classification Activity
Survey of Modern Kingdoms Engagement

2. Background
Based on the Summer Training Program classification activity, shortened to 45 min.
Basic characteristics of organisms can be used as a basis to divide them into different groups
Compare modern kingdoms to students’ systems

3. Materials Organism specimens, living and dead Examples:
Leaves
Shells
Potted Plants
Termites
Frog and/or Tadpoles
Large Newsprint
Markers
(Optional) Textbooks or other source of literature classification system.

4. Activity Highlights
Groups of 2 or 3 students observe 10 or more specimens placed at different stations around the room
Groups create rules to divide organisms into different groups
Using the rules, students draw out their own classification system on the newsprint, using some of the organisms as models for each category

5. Activity Highlights (2)
After short presentation of each system, Teacher presents modern kingdoms and some rules used to separate them
Time permitting, students can contribute using resources in a group discussion
Fellow leads short discussion on advantages and disadvantages of students’ systems and literature system.
Practical versus evolutionary relationships
Importance of Scientific community