Scientists classify the countless thousands of organisms into groups with each group possessing similar characteristics.
Students observe and classify plants and animals according to internal and external features.
Students compare their classification system to the traditional scientific system. Each group describes the distinguishing features of the organisms and presents this information orally, visually, or in writing. Students discuss how invertebrates can be grouped by physical characteristics such as the number of legs or presence of wings. They examine representative organisms through the use of pictures, films, or specimens. They demonstrate their scientific skills and processes when they complete performance tasks and written assignments.