Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson pupils should:

• Develop a deeper understanding of the classification system

• Explore the concept of external pressures on species survival

 

Resources

• Vocabulary cards

• Videoscribe: 'classification is like a computer'

• Picture sheet - different orders of animal

• Picture sheet - classification web

• Videoscribe: 'classifying the prehistoric world'

• Videoscribe: 'theories of dinosaur extinction'

 

Vocabulary

order, classification, web, extinction, prehistoric

 

Starter activities 

1. Teaching Point/discussion:

Recap classification key from Week 1

 

2. Class Activity:

Watch Videoscribe: 'classification is like a computer'.

 

3. Class Discussion:

How does a classification system brings simplicity to complexity?

 

Main activities 

1. Individual Activity:

Give each child a sheet of different orders of animal and a simple classification web.

Children cut out pictures and stick in appropriate places on web.

Draw conclusions.

 

2. Teaching Point:

Explain that plants can be similarly subdivided and classified, eg flowering/non-flowering plants etc.

 

3. Teaching Point:

Introduce the idea of classification being equally applicable to prehistoric life.

 

4. Class Activity:

Watch Videoscribe: 'classifying the prehistoric world' .

 

5. Class Discussion:

Why did so many lines die out, but some survive? Encourage creative thinking!

 

6. Class Activity:

Watch Videoscribe: 'theories of dinosaur extinction'.

 

7. Class Discussion:

Which theory - if any - do they think is most likely?

 

Plenary activity 

Q: Might human beings one day also become extinct?

Assessment

........

 

 

Downloadable lesson plan and resources