Shannon Cain

Jurassic Park Unit

Standard:
SPI 0807.5.1 Use a simple classification key to identify an unknown organism.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.4 I can list the levels of classification in order from most
general to most specific (domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species).
CSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.4 I can classify organisms based on appropriate
characteristics (e.g. types of symmetry, way it obtains energy, presence of certain body
systems, method of reproduction, etc.).

Objective: Given eight organisms, students will be able to create a dichotomous key to
classify organisms.

Method: Students will be given a bag with eight dinosaurs. With their partner/group,
the students will create a dichotomous key to identify the eight dinosaurs.

Assessment: Students will peer assess each others dichotomous keys.