To group things is to put similar things together.

Classification keys are diagrams which help us identify objects using yes/no questions.

To identify something is to be able to name it correctly.

A yes/no question is a type of sentence that asks something and is answered with only yes or no.

An observable characteristic is a feature or property of something that we can see or use our other senses to observe.

Classification keys 

Science

In this Living things and the environment unit, pupils learn to explore and use classification keys to help group, identify and name living things. In the Why we group and classify living things unit, they will build on this knowledge to give reasons why we classify plants and animals based on specific characteristics

In the Living things and where they live unit, pupils learnt that things can be grouped into: alive, dead and never alive. In this Living things in the environment unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to recognsie that living things can be grouped in a wider variety of ways

Living things and the environment

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Which groups could the object in the image below belong to?

Objects can be classified based on their similarities and {{}}.

The yes/no questions in a classification key are layered, each answer leads to a new {{}}.

Scientists use classification keys based on an object's {{}} characteristics.

Look at the classification key, which group does a teddy bear standing up, that has dark brown fur, belong to?

Which features do these living things have in common?

In which groups can a lizard, a swan and a deer belong to?

Match the animals to the correct animal group.

Which of these are observable characteristics of a tree? 

What is it called when we sort objects or living things into groups?

How might a scientist record objects they have classified?

Content guidance

Exploration of objects

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Classification keys

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.