Biology - HOT Science Lab

Teacher
Using a Dichotomous Key for Invertebrate Phyla
(Adapted from http://www.msc.ucla.edu/oceanglobe/pdf/Invertebrates/Inverts_Entire.pdf)
NGSSS:
SC.912.L.15.6 Discuss distinguishing characteristics of the domains and kingdoms of living
organisms. (AA)
Purpose of Lab/Activity: The purpose of the lab is to use morphological features from pictures
or specimens with a dichotomous key and to identify and name different invertebrate phyla.
Prerequisite: Prior to this activity, the student should be able to know the names of anatomical
structures from the vocabulary of the student section of this laboratory. The student should be
familiar with the classification system of organisms.
Materials (per group):
Invertebrate handouts (pictures)
Invertebrate specimen samples
Dichotomous key
Procedures: Day of Activity:
Before
activity:
During
activity:
What the teacher will do:
a. The teacher will cut out pictures of different invertebrates from different
phyla or the teacher will find invertebrate animal samples that students can
handle for keying out.
b. Discuss the following essential questions:
1. Can different phyla of invertebrates be identified via the use of a
dichotomous key and the identification of different morphological traits
for different invertebrates
2. Can we identify different invertebrates based on morphological
differences using a dichotomous key
c. Activate students‘ prior knowledge of invertebrates by having them work in
teams to classify organisms.
1. Write the following organisms name on the board: anemone, butterfly,
clam, coral, crab, earthworm, grasshopper, hydra, jellyfish, lobster,
mussel, nematode, octopus, oyster, planarian, sand dollar, scorpion,
sea urchin, shrimp, slug, snail, spider, sponges, squid, starfish,
tapeworm, tick
2. Write the following categories: porifera, cnidarians, flatworm,
roundworm, annelid, gastropod, bivalve, cephalopod, crustacean,
arachnid, insect, echinoderm
3. Ask the students to place each organism in a category.
What the teacher will do:
a. Reinforce the expectations of the lab and review the directions.
1. Remind students to write down all of the steps followed when using the
dichotomous key as they identify each invertebrate.
b. Review the following questions with the students.
1. What is the definition of an animal
2. What specific features distinguishes animals
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