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Classification Activities for Middle School Science

The resources below will provide students a comprehensive understanding of classification. All of the following lessons are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.

The Classification 5E Lesson includes materials for every "E" phase, including the Classification Station Lab for Exploration and an interactive PowerPoint with digital INB templates for Explanation.

The lesson also includes introduction materials for Engagement, student-choice project ideas for Elaboration, and assessments for Evaluation.

After completing the Classification 5E Lesson, students will be able to recognize that the broadest taxonomic classification of living organisms is divided into currently recognized domains and further classify them in the currently recognized kingdoms.

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The Classification Inquiry Lab is a hands-on activity that is differentiated for advanced, on-level, and modified middle school students.

Students will be challenged to develop a classification system using crunchy snacks and relate it to the process scientists use to classify living organisms.

The Classification Inquiry Lab includes a brief reading passage, comprehension checks, hands-on activities, reflection questions, and a CER conclusion.

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Classification Classroom Experiences

Create a powerful student experience to help solidify students' understanding about classification. The following experience is also included in the Kesler Science Membership.

Escape Rooms

The Classification Escape Room is an immersive experience for your students. It allows them to demonstrate their knowledge of classification of organisms in a fun and engaging format.

Students must use what they have learned to recognize that the broadest taxonomic classification of living organisms is divided into currently recognized domains, and to identify the basic characteristics of organisms, including prokaryotic or eukaryotic, unicellular or multicellular, autotrophic or heterotrophic, and mode of reproduction, that further classify them in the currently recognized kingdoms to complete the escape room.


Year-Round Resources

These year-round activities will increase your students' understanding of many middle school science topics. All of these activities are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.

Visual Data & Graphing

You're not alone if your students struggle with understanding graphs, charts, and tables. It's a skill that takes an enormous amount of practice. This resource will help students build a strong foundation in analyzing data and creating their own data visualizations.

Bell Ringers and Warm-Ups

These middle school science bell ringers are an excellent way to engage your students as soon as they walk into your classroom. This comprehensive FULL YEAR resource includes everything you need to start off each science class with an interesting warm-up activity.

Review Board Games

Each game board has been carefully designed to keep students engaged. There are 10 different action spaces on each board and dozens of question cards. All of the actions are related to science concepts and keep the students motivated throughout the game.

Each game is ready to play. Simply print out the board and the cards and let the students enjoy reviewing nine different units.


Essential Questions and Standards

Below are the essential questions and standards associated with the lessons and activities included in the classification unit. This topic is only one of more than 100 middle school science topics included in the Kesler Science Membership.

Essential Questions
  • How is the broadest taxonomic classification of living organisms divided into currently recognized Domains?
Standards
  • TEKS Science 6.12 C - Recognize that the broadest taxonomic classification of living organisms is divided into currently recognized domains
  • TEKS Science 6.12 D - Identify the basic characteristics of organisms, including prokaryotic or eukaryotic, unicellular or multicellular, autotrophic or heterotrophic, and mode of reproduction, that further classify them in the currently recognized kingdoms

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Kesler Science Membership

Imagine never having to search for another middle school science lesson again. The membership gives you access to ALL of the Kesler Science products in one place (Yes, including everything above).

Say goodbye to long hours of lesson prep.