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A2: Design and describe a classification system for organisms.

Curriculum Organizing Questions	What is a classification system? How would you go about designing your own classification system for organisms? What types of groups would you use to sort organisms? How would you describe your classification system?
Elaboration	Children should understand that scientists group living things by characteristics, and that the groupings can change depending on the purpose of the grouping. At this age the teacher can increase the variety and include exotic or unfamiliar organisms along with the familiar. Fine details can be included by using hand lenses and microscopes (only to see fine detail, not to study cell structure!). The aim is to move students toward the realization that there are many ways to classify living things and that the features used for grouping depend on the purpose of the grouping. Benchmarks p. 103.
Specific Ideas	A classification system will vary according to the purpose for the classification. Benchmarks 5A2. A classification system sorts organisms into groups by characteristics. A classification system has more than one group. Sometimes an organism can belong in more than one group. When an organisms belongs in more than one group, sometimes new groups are needed. Classification systems can lead to a better understanding of the similarities and differences among living things. NSES p. 128.
Developmental & Instructional Implications	Upper elementary students tend to use a multiple of mutually exclusive groups, rather than hierarchical. (Students will not be able to use the Linnaean system reliably until they are older.) Some groups will be based on observable features, some on concepts.Benchmarks p. 340. Everyday names seem to play a large significance in how young children group objects (jellyfish and starfish with tuna fish). Many students group animals that are unfamiliar as "insects." Driver pgs. 24-25.
Examples

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