What do we know about the five kingdoms: animals, plants, Monera, Protista and fungi? - Teacher notes

Understanding the vast diversity of life on Earth can be a complex task due to the millions of different living species. To bring some order to this biological diversity, various classification systems have been developed over time. Notably, Aristotle, in ancient times, and later Carolus Linnaeus in the 18th century, made significant contributions to the classification of species. In modern biology, living organisms are commonly grouped into five kingdoms: animals, plants, Monera, Protista, and fungi.

Teachers are encouraged to divide the class into groups of five, with each student focusing on one of the five kingdoms. This approach allows pupils to delve deeper into their assigned kingdom, carrying out research and then sharing their findings with their peers. While the animal and plant kingdoms might be more familiar to students, the kingdoms of Monera, Protista, and fungi may require additional guidance from the teacher to ensure the information is accurately understood and presented. The goal is for each group to gain a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics and complexities of each kingdom. Furthermore, students will have the opportunity to engage in a practical investigation by observing and recording the growth rate of mould, which ties into their study of the fungi kingdom and the broader theme of biological classification.