Each of the two groups represents a phylum. As students are creating group names they are required to write the names down on a diagram provided for them and list the objects that fall in each group. The students use the common trait as the name of each phylum. Students than further divide the objects placed in phylum 1 into two groups. Each of the two groups represents a class.
Students name each class based on the trait used to divide the objects.
I like for students to complete this grouping activity toward the beginning of the unit. It is important that students develop the ability to pick out broad characteristics and then more specific similarities as the kingdom is divided into phylums and then classes. I have realized that students learning becomes more memorable and meaningful when they can actually become a part of the learning process. Another teaching and learning experience that I used during the classification unit involved the use of a dichotomous key. Students worked in small groups of two.