Biology - HOT Science Lab

Teacher
Classification of Fruits
NGSSS:
SC.912.L.15.6 Discuss distinguishing characteristics of the domains and kingdoms of living
organisms. (AA)
Purpose of Lab/Activity:
Students will review the concept of classification
Students will be able to relate their observations to different ways of classifying
organisms
Prerequisite: Prior to this activity, the student should be able to
Make accurate and detailed observations
Have a basic understanding of classifying organisms based on their characteristics
Materials (individual or per group):
Fruit pictures (may be substituted for real fruit)
Procedures: Day of Activity:
Before
activity:
During
activity:
After
activity:
What the teacher will do:
a. Prepare cards of fruits to hand out to each group
b. Pre-assess student understanding of classification.
c. Review with students what each fruit is and answer any questions about
color or texture. You may also allow opportunities to research the types of
fruits online to determine any characteristics that are not easily seen.
What the teacher will do:
a. As students perform the lab activity, allow students to observe the different
pictures of fruit and help guide them in terms of classifying them based on
their similarities. Also allow the use additional resources such as the
textbook and the Internet to answer questions:.
1. Example: What are the different textures of the fruit Which fruits have
big seeds or small seeds
2. Which fruit comes from a tree Which one comes from a vine or
herbaceous plant
b. When students prepare to tape or glue the pictures of the fruit to the chart
paper, make sure they wait until all discussion is final before sticking the
pictures to the chart paper.
c. Ensure discussions from students stay productive when disagreements
arise on how to classify the fruits.
What the teacher will do:
a. Assess student understanding of how to classify different organisms based
on observations by having them present their charts to the rest of the class.
b. Engage students into a discussion on the importance of making many
observations about an organism before deciding on its classification and
the importance of having a classification system in place. Some questions
to use:
1. Can classification help show possible evolutionary relationships
2. Do common characteristics always imply shared ancestors
Biology HSL Page 86
Curriculum and Instruction