Dichotomous classification keys are often used in field guides to help the user quickly and easily identify trees, flowers, insects, frogs, etc. They are also a very effective teaching tool in our science classrooms. They can be used to teach scientific terms and characteristics of any type of living organism. But I think one of the most important uses in our classroom is the fact that they reinforce observation skills, and strengthen problem solving and critical thinking in our students.
I receive many requests for classification keys on different topics. Over the years, I have developed quite a few activities that use the dichotomous classification key.
My newest is called "Dichotomous Key to the Genus Smiley." In this simple key, students first learn how to use a dichotomous key. But the best part of this activity is that students are also required to develop their own dichotomous key to key out 6 different insects. This requires a higher level of thinking and problem solving that provides excellent practice of these skills for our students.
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| Dichotomous Key to the Genus "Smiley" |
Additional products that use the dichotomous classification key are:
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| Dichotomous Key to a CRAZY Animal Kindgom |
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| Freebie! This is one of my favorites: Dichotomous Key to Holiday Giving and Community Service |
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| Let's Build a Cladogram! |
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| Let's Learn to Use and Build a Dichotomous Key! |
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| Lab: Use of Dichotomous Key in Classification |
Click here to view all of my classification/taxonomy products.
If you are looking for additional activities for teaching classification and taxonomy, you can also explore this collection of hands-on classification and taxonomy activities for middle and high school students.
