Classification - Lesson Plan

The lesson plan from The Primary Science Advisory Service Ltd focuses on the classification of living things, a key aspect of the Year 4 Biology curriculum. Students will delve into various science skills, including pattern seeking and identifying, classifying, and grouping. The National Curriculum objectives are to recognize the different ways living things can be grouped and to use classification keys to help name and identify a variety of living things. Building upon previous learning from Year 1 and Year 2, pupils will identify and name living things, classify them based on characteristics, and employ classification keys in their learning.

Activities are designed to engage students in hands-on classification exercises, such as sorting buttons and toy animals by different characteristics and using animal cards to distinguish between vertebrates and invertebrates. The lesson also includes a plenary where pupils reflect on their learning by naming classes of vertebrates, comparing different species, and creating questions for a classification key. Throughout the lesson, students are encouraged to challenge common misconceptions, such as the belief that there is only one way to classify living things or that classification never changes. This lesson not only teaches scientific concepts but also fosters critical thinking and observational skills.