Description:

Students examine two-way classification systems using four mutually exclusive groups and two dimensions simultaneously. Students then are given a set of plastic animals, asked to create a two-way classification system, then asked to fit a new character into their system.

The task assesses students' abilities to make simple observations, use observed characteristics to create a classification system, and apply their understanding to an additional situation.

This task is designed to take students approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.

Overall Task Content Area:

Life Science

Specific Knowledge Areas:

Performance Expectations:

• conducting investigations
• gathering, organizing, and representing data
• applying scientific principles to develop explanations and solve new problems

National Science Education Standards:

8 A SI 1: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry: Grades 5-8
1.4 Develop descriptions, explanations, predictions, and models using evidence. Students should base their explanation on what they observed, and as they develop cognitive skills, they should be able to differentiate explanation from description - providing causes for effects and establishing relationships based on evidence and logical argument. This standards requires a subject knowledge base so the students can effectively conduct investigations, because developing explanations establishes connections between the content of science and the contexts within which students develop new knowledge.

1.8 Use mathematics in all aspects of scientific inquiry. Mathematics is essential to asking and answering questions about the natural world. Mathematics can be used to ask questions; to gather, organize, and present data; and to structure convincing explanations.

8 C LS 2: Reproduction and heredity: Grades 5-8
2.5 The characteristics of an organism can be described in terms of a combination of traits. Some traits are inherited and others result from interactions with the environment.

(Use the "hot" link on the PALS home page to check the full text of related National Science Education Standards, if desired.)

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics:

Algebra (AL1): Understand patterns, relations and functions.

Data Analysis and Probability (DAP1): Formulate questions that can be addressed with data and collect, organize, and display relevant data to answer them.

Problem Solving (PS2): Solve problems that arise in mathematics and in other contexts.

General Instructions to the Teacher:

This task is designed to take students approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.

Students will be working individually during this exercise.

Students should be ready to work as soon as the period begins. The materials should be set out at each lab station, if possible. A central supply area, if needed, should be easily accessible. All supplies should be clearly labeled.

Materials for Classification of Animals:

The teacher will need:

• Paper cutouts representing people
• Plastic animals
• Envelopes or bags to hold cutouts and animals
• Labels

At this station students should have:

• Envelope labeled "People" containing paper cutout people
• Envelope #1 containing 8 plastic animals
• Envelope #2 containing 1 plastic animal

Advance Preparation:

• Duplicate and cut out paper people such that each student has 8 different characters to classify.
• Keep paper cutouts in an envelope labeled "People."
• Prepare envelopes labeled "#1" to contain 8 different plastic animals.
• Prepare envelopes labeled "#2" to contain 1 plastic animal that is different from the 8 in "#1."

Safety:

• Be careful.
• Teachers and students should always exercise appropriate safety precautions and utilize appropriate laboratory safety procedures and equipment when working on science performance tasks.

Extensions/modifications:

• N/A