Classification is one of those fundamental units to teach when you are teaching biology, zoology or marine biology. Review of taxonomy and classification of organisms is essential before diving into any of the individual phyla.    Why? Because you don’t want your students asking you what a “phylum” or a “kingdom” is when you are trying to introduce Phylum Porifera. Trust me, the confusion will only get worse from there and that is the last thing you want. So, whether you are introducing taxonomy for the first time or your students need a quick review, here are some tips for teaching classification of organisms.

Starting with Guided Notes

Do not be afraid of a little direct instruction, especially with a vocabulary heavy topic like classification and taxonomy. Now, I don’t mean standing in front of the class and talking at them for 45 minutes straight while they copy notes. Include them in on it. Add opportunities for engagement, checkpoints and a way for them to bring it all back in the end. This gets the students more engaged in the lesson, retaining more of the information and saves your voice! You can get this Classification of Organisms and Taxonomy Lesson, Guided Notes and Assessment which includes everything you need to maintain your students focus during the lesson.    

Go on a Nature Walk

I’m serious! Have students walk around campus and document what organisms they see. Have them identify the characteristics of the organism as well as the domain and kingdom they belong to.  

Sorting Organisms

Getting resin specimens was a great idea for this unit and students loved them! As part of a classification and taxonomy stations activity, you can have students look at the organisms and place them into groups by anatomical comparisons so they can think like a taxonomist! This can also be done with images of organisms.    

Dichotomous Keys

Teach students about dichotomous keys and how they are used for identifying organisms. You can even have students create their own dichotomous keys for specific organisms.  

Creative Posters or presentations

Have students choose a domain or kingdom to focus on. They can create a poster or digital presentation that outlines all the key characteristics of organisms within that kingdom or domain.  

Let your Students Get Creative! 

Choice Boards have been a game changer in my classroom. Instead of thinking of one project for the whole class, you can provide some autonomy to your students and allow them to choose from a list of activities or let them come up with their own ideas. Of course, these activities will have to show you, as the teacher, that your students actually understand classification and taxonomy. You can add requirements for that so your students know what to follow. Some of the activities I provide on a list for students include:  

1. Creating an Ecosystem guidebook
2. Creating a board game
3. Writing a story
4. Domain debates
5. Recording a podcast.

    These types of activities can highlight individual student talents while still making sure they are understanding the critical content. You can find the Classification of Organisms Choice Board I use here.   Grab an entire unit of activities for Classification of Organisms and Taxonomy.