KS2 CLASSIFICATION(YR 5 & 6)CURRICULUM LINKS

KS2 Living things and their habitats

Describe how living things are classified into broad groups according to common observable characteristics and based on similarities and differences, including micro-organisms, plants and animals .

Give reasons for classifying plants and animals based on specific characteristics.

Chester Zoo’s oldest chimpanzee, Boris

Last updated: Aug 2015

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After attending this workshop, all pupils will be able to: •Explore and use classification keys to help group•Identify and name a variety of living things that come from the rainforest.•Recognise that living things can be grouped in a variety of ways. Most students will be able to: •Describe how living things are classified into broad groups according to common observable characteristics, based on similarities and differences.•Give reasons for classifying plants and animals based on scientific characteristics. Some students will be able to: •Identify differences between specific rainforest species

A Cheetah at Chester Zoo

Critically Endangered Sumatran Tigers at Chester Zoo

IMPORTANT NOTE – ANIMAL CONTACTSome Discovery Workshops MAY include a selection of bio-artefacts. Please inform us in advance of any allergies or phobias that may be affected by this. An antibacterial foam handwash will be offered to all students at the end of the workshop. In order for this to be effective, teachers are asked to ensure that all students have clean hands on arrival at the Sumba Classroom in Islands.

IMPORTANT NOTE- TEACHER NUMBERSAs this workshop involves an aspect of ‘out and about’ ideally we recommend at least 2 teachers to accompany the group.

LESSON PLAN

Using a variety of artefacts (some real) from our unique Islands animal collection, students will become explorers and work in small groups to discover the five vertebrate groups and their common characteristics.

After exploring the vertebrate groups in the Sumba schoolroom students will continue their journey exploring the vertebrate groups out and about in Islands. Groups will focus on a particular vertebrate species and find and produce a video* showcasing its characteristics and put what they have learnt during the session into practice.

*Videos will be created using IPads. Please note that videos can be sent to teachers after the session if you require a copy.

A Critically Endangered Blue-throated Macaw

• PLANNING A ROUTE: ANIMALS DISCUSSED DURING WORKSHOP•The following animals are discussed during the session and can be seen in the Zoo: various fish species (Monsoon forest/The Aquarium), Bali Starling (Islands: Bali), Cassowary (Islands: Papua), Cinnamon frogs, Sunda Gharials (Monsoon Forest), Reticulated Python (Realm of the Red Ape), Sumatran Orangutan (Islands), Sumatran Tiger (Island: Sumatra).

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES TO LINK WITH YOUR WORKSHOPBEFORE VISIT (recommended prior learning - useful but not essential)•An understanding of the basic terms vertebrate, invertebrate, mammal, reptile, fish, amphibian and bird would benefit students.

DID YOU KNOW?There are a selection of curriculum- linked self-led Explorer trails available to download at http://www.chesterzoo.org/education/key-stage-3-4/trails-and-resources. The “Classification” explorer trail compliments the “Classification” discovery workshop nicely.

DURING VISIT•While observing animals in the Zoo, attempt to work out how we wouldclassify this species and why. Take photos if you’re not sure.

•In monsoon forest there is a huge variety of vertebrates and invertebrates all under one roof, why not have a go at classifying them into the vertebrate groups?

One of Chester Zoo’s ever-popular Meerkats!

After visit•Play the A-Z game- go round the group in order and name an animal they saw in the zoo beginning with A…, B…, C…. See how many your pupils can name and then try to classify them into groups.•Design imaginary creatures to fit into specific vertebrate groups.•Using the photos from your Zoo visit, get your pupils to research their characteristics and then group them correctly.

• Investigate invertebrate classification by paying a visit to the Tripa Research Station in Monsoon Forest, where you will find some amazing invertebrates!

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES TO LINK WITH YOUR WORKSHOP