Classification Demonstrations

Classification is the process of organising living things into groups based on shared features. This category introduces the systems used to name and group organisms, from simple categories to more detailed taxonomic levels. Understanding classification helps make sense of the diversity of life and provides a framework for studying biology.

Demonstration	Materials	Difficulty	Safety	Summary
Build a Phylogenetic Tree	★☆☆	★☆☆	★☆☆	In this activity, students learn how to construct a cladogram, a diagram that shows evolutionary relationships based on shared derived characteristics. Using a set of organisms and their traits, students identify synapomorphies (shared derived traits) and automorphies (unique traits), then use this information to build and interpret a cladogram.
Candy Classification	★☆☆	★☆☆	★☆☆	Students practice classification by sorting different types of candy into groups based on shared traits, creating a dichotomous key that leads to the identification of each candy type. This models how scientists classify living things.
Class Member Classification	★☆☆	★☆☆	★☆☆	In this activity, students create a classification key based on observable physical characteristics of their classmates. By identifying similarities and differences, students learn how scientists use classification systems to organize and describe living things.
Classification Card Sorting	★★☆	★☆☆	★☆☆	Students use a set of organism cards, representing all five kingdoms and the three domains, to explore how organisms are classified. The activity sparks discussion about differences between classification systems, challenges in distinguishing groups, and why the three-domain system is more widely used today.
Classification With Finger Puppets	★★☆	★☆☆	★☆☆	Students use animal finger puppets to design and test simple dichotomous keys. By asking yes/no questions that separate organisms by visible traits, they practice classification and scientific questioning.
Leaf Classification	★☆☆	★☆☆	★☆☆	In this activity, students collect and classify leaves based on observable characteristics such as shape, size, color, edge type, and vein patterns. By sorting and grouping leaves, students learn how scientists use classification to organize living things and recognize diversity among plant species.
OneZoom Tree of Life Explorer	★☆☆	★☆☆	★☆☆	The OneZoom Tree of Life Explorer is an interactive visualization that displays the evolutionary relationships between over two million species. Each leaf represents a species, while the branching structure shows how all life shares common ancestors across billions of years.
Phylogenetic game	★☆☆	★☆☆	★☆☆	Students role-play as organisms and ancestors to collaboratively construct a phylogenetic tree. By analyzing shared and derived traits, they work together to visualize evolutionary relationships and explain how species are connected through common ancestry.
Picture Wall of the Kingdoms	★☆☆	★☆☆	★☆☆	In this activity, students create a picture wall that represents the kingdoms of living organisms. By collecting and organizing photographs, students explore biodiversity and understand how organisms are grouped based on shared characteristics.
Rock Testing and Classification	★★☆	★☆☆	★☆☆	Students test rock samples for properties such as hardness, luster, texture, porosity, and reactivity. They record observations, classify each sample as igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic, and connect their findings to real-world engineering challenges.

Materials
★☆☆ Easy to get from supermarket or hardware store
★★☆ Available in most school laboratories or specialist stores
★★★ Requires materials not commonly found in school laboratories

Difficulty
★☆☆ Can be easily done by most teenagers
★★☆ Available in most school laboratories or specialist stores
★★★ Requires a more experienced teacher

Safety
★☆☆ Minimal safety procedures required
★★☆ Some safety precautions required to perform safely
★★★ Only to be attempted with adequate safety procedures and trained staff