Teaching Classification and Taxonomy = FUN!!

What is this organism?  

What characteristics does it have? To what other organisms is it related? Is it a vertebrate or an invertebrate? What does it eat? What role does it play in the ecosystem?

All biology teachers have particular topics that they really don't like to teach, and topics that we LOVE LOVE to teach. Teaching classification is a topic that I LOVE!

Classification and taxonomy involves problem solving and critical thinking.  Basically a taxonomist is a "living organism detective."

Teaching classification and taxonomy in a biology class can be such a fun unit of study. By incorporating hands-on activities, you can transform textbook concepts into learning experiences that captivate students and deepen their understanding of the diversity of life on Earth. You can bring the world of classification and taxonomy to life by exposing your students to the amazing living organisms around them.

If this is already TL;DR, skip straight to the bottom of the post to see my TPT offerings on classification and taxonomy.

You’ll want to begin your unit by teaching the basics. Before students can get their hands on fun activities, they are going to need to know the basics of the work of Linnaeus, binomial nomenclature, characteristics used to classify living organisms, cladistics, and the 6-kingdom classification system. Once the students have this basic knowledge, the fun can begin.

Click any image to view the resource.

This time-saving PowerPoint and Notes Set will provide the instruction your students need. The images, photos, and graphics are colorful and appealing and will hold your students' attention. It includes notes for the teacher, an outline of notes for students to fill, and both printable and digital options.

After teaching for many years, this I know to be true: Kids love a dichotomous classification key! Dichotomous keys are invaluable in teaching students how to identify and classify organisms. A dichotomous key presents a series of choices that lead the user through a sequence of steps to arrive at the correct identification. The process not only reinforces critical thinking skills but also promotes a deeper understanding of the characteristics that differentiate species.

The following variety of engaging dichotomous keys cover a wide range of organisms. Even when students have mastered how to use a dichotomous key, they will never complain if you give them more. My favorite type of classification key activity involves two parts: Students begin by using a dichotomous key that is included in the activity, followed by students writing their own classification key to identify a given set of organisms. 

Cladograms are another essential tool for teaching classification and taxonomy. These tree-like diagrams illustrate the evolutionary relationships among different species based on shared characteristics. By constructing cladograms, students can visualize how species are related and trace their evolutionary history.

This exercise not only fosters a better understanding of evolutionary biology but also enhances students' ability to analyze and synthesize information.

Task cards are a versatile and interactive way to reinforce key concepts in classification and taxonomy. These cards can be used in a variety of ways, from individual practice to collaborative group activities. Each card presents a specific task or question related to classification, prompting students to apply what they have learned. I prefer to use them in a lab rotation style. Kids love to be up and moving!

Finally, my high school kids love to color! This classification color by number activity is perfect for classwork, homework, or your sub folder.

There are just so many fun things to do when teaching classification. I always have to make myself wrap up the unit and move on to a new topic! By using hands-on activities, you will provide your students with meaningful and memorable learning experiences that will stay with them long after the class is over.

Check out these resources and hands-on activities for your classification unit.

• Classification and Taxonomy Complete Teaching Unit Bundle
• Classification and Taxonomy PowerPoint and Notes Set
• Lab: Classification Using Dichotomous Keys
• Let's Build a Dichotomous Key!
• Let's Build a Cladogram!
• Dichotomous Key for Arthropods and Insects
• Kingdoms of Life Card Sort Game
• Dichotomous Key to the Genus Smiley
• Classification Key Task Cards
• Classification Color by Number Activity

Teach Classification and Make It Fun!!

What is this organism?  

What characteristics does it have?  To what other organisms is it similar?  Is it a vertebrate or an invertebrate?  What does it eat?  What role does it play in an ecosystem?

All biology teachers have particular topics that they really don't like to teach, and topics that we LOVE LOVE to teach.  Teaching classification is a topic that I LOVE!


Classification involves problem solving and critical thinking.  Basically a taxonomist is a "living organism detective".

I have two really fun activities that my students always enjoy.  The first is called "Let's Learn to Use and Build a Dichotomous Key".    This product teaches students all about dichotomous classification keys.  Students will learn why classification is necessary, the definition of a dichotomous key, and how to use a dichotomous key.  Students will analyze the included pictures of 7 different cone-bearing plants, using the included dichotomous key to classify them.   

Finally students will learn to construct a classification key of their own.  Students are given pictures of 12 different primates and asked to make their own classification key.  There are also 10 follow up questions for students to answer.

The second activity that I love to do with my students is called "Let's Build A Cladogram".  Cladistics is one of the newest trends in the modern classification of organisms.  It shows the relationship between different organisms based on the presence or absence of characteristics called derived characters.  In this activity, students will look at pictures  of 7 different animals to determine if they possess certain derived characters.  This data will then be used to build a cladogram.

There are just so many fun things to do when teaching classification.  I always have to make myself wrap up the unit and move on to a new topic!