1-2. Classification Capers. Grade. Steps

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1 Grade 1-2 Classification Capers In this lesson students will use the lens of a scientist while exploring the Aquarium. Students will consider questions like what animals have similar characteristics? and how could we group them together?. This learner- centered activity introduces the concept of classification in a supportive, structured manner. S tudents Will Be Able To: [1] group aquarium animals according to similarities in appearance [2] conduct and record observations [3] develop an understanding of classification L E A R N I N G E N V I R O N M E N T Small groups with adult chaperone (eg. 5:1) M A T E R I A L S Activity sheet (included here) Pencil Clipboard Collect a map at Admissions for each group if required Steps The Vancouver Aquarium s education team highly recommends pre-teaching the concepts that will be applied in this self directed lesson to support student learning and ensure their success in this activity. Please see the section Helpful Information for suggestions on pre-teaching material and working with adult chaperones. 1) Exploring the Vancouver Aquarium (30-45 min). For students of this age we strongly recommend allowing the students time for free exploration. The Aquarium is a highly stimulating environment and if students are not given this time to roam and discover then they may be distracted and overexcited throughout the more structured part of this lesson. This also provides a chance for students to tune-in to the theme of the lesson, so remind them to keep their eyes peeled for animals that share common characteristics. 1

2 Ensure students remain within their small groups, accompanied by adult chaperones at all times. 2) Class Re-group (10 min). In a pre-arranged meeting spot (see the section Helpful Information for tips about meeting spots), discuss students experience in the galleries. What did they see? Did they find animals that had characteristics in common? Use an example, such as the similar characteristics of a beluga and dolphin. The next part of the lesson will involve students completing the activity sheet independently, but moving around the Aquarium in small groups. TIP: This activity will be the most successful if students choose one gallery to look for animals with similar characteristics. Have students choose their favourite gallery, and group them accordingly. This also avoids too many students in one gallery at any one time! Provide students with clipboards so they have a hard surface on which to draw and write. 3) Classification Capers Activity Sheet (20-30 mins). The activity sheet involves students observing a number of animals in their chosen gallery, before choosing 4 animals that share a common characteristic. For example, the 4 animals all have fins. Students record the common characteristic, the names of the animals and a sketch of each one. TIP: Adapt the worksheet to suit your curriculum needs. For suggestions on how to modify this activity to suit your class needs, please see the Helpful Information section. 4) Class sharing and reflection on-site (10 mins). Gather as a class in your pre-arranged meeting location for a whole-class discussion. This is an important time for students to share their observations and chosen groupings with you and their peers. Suggested guiding questions include: a. What gallery did you visit? b. What animals did you choose to group together? Why? c. What were some characteristics that were different amongst the animals you chose? 5) Enjoy the rest of your visit! 2

3 Helpful Information Pre-visit preparation: People often group things together or classify things this helps to make our lives easier and helps us to understand things. Think of the grocery store: Imagine how hard it would be to find things if they weren t grouped into sections and aisles? With so many different living organisms on the planet, scientists use classification to make their jobs easier! Animals and plants are grouped together based on similarities and differences. Plus, it doesn t matter what country you live in, or what language you speak all these living things have the same name in science! Use objects in the classroom, pictures of land animals or things in the school yard to practice grouping by common characteristics. To prepare students for a successful visit to the Aquarium, provide them with the tools they will need in this case, a vocabulary base of characteristics is important. Discuss what is a characteristic? Study images of various ocean animals and discuss what physical characteristics they have identifying fins, blowholes, scales, arms, tentacles, suckers, eyes, claws, etc. Tailoring this lesson to your class needs: This lesson is designed to be versatile the activity can easily be tailored by simply using the activity sheet as a reference for chaperones to guide student learning. Chaperones can use the sheet to generate dialogue around grouping animals by common characteristics. Alternatively, the chaperone can act as scribe so that group results can be discussed and utilised back in the classroom. Aquarium Meeting Spot: The Vancouver Aquarium can be a busy place so locating a pre-arranged meeting space for your class is essential to reinforce learning during your visit. Some spots to consider include the Underwater Dolphin and Arctic Galleries, the Exploration Gallery, and outdoors, weather permitting. 3

4 Working with Chaperones: Education staff at the Aquarium believe strongly in the effectiveness of small group learning, particularly with younger students in our often bustling galleries. Suggestions for adult chaperones include parent helpers, student teachers, and responsible high school students. The maximum student to chaperone ratio recommended is five to one. Pre-briefing your adult chaperones and organizing student groupings before you arrive at the Aquarium is ideal and will ensure all parties are best supported. Name tags are highly recommended for your students and chaperones to assist with group management. Teacher Background Information: On the same page as you found this lesson (link), under the heading Lesson Enrichment you will find a link to the Aquarium AquaFacts and a detailed Vancouver Aquarium Resource Guide which contain relevant background information pertaining to marine species. The Vancouver Aquarium recommends pre-teaching relevant content as means of making your class visit a more meaningful learning experience. Extension Activities Students can research the animals they chose for their activity sheet and regroup them according to the following o Life cycle o Class: mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian or fish Source images of marine animals and other Vancouver Aquarium animals (preferably images that can be colored by students) Suggested activities include: - A go fish game, making pairs of animals that are in the same class to revamp this classic card game. For example, Lauren, do you have a mammal? - A categories game. Have students cut and paste pictures of Aquarium animals in a table with the Classes of animals listed at the top of each column. Good introduction to graphing also (math). - With all of these activities the student can then colour their picture and write the name of the animal underneath. 4

5 C U R R I C U L U M C O N N E C T I O NS/ B R I T I S H C O L U M B I A, CA. Grade 1 Science Classify objects, events and organisms Classify living and non-living things (accurately group living things according to common characteristics) Grade 2 Science Classify familiar animals according to similarities and differences in appearance, behaviour, and life cycles These Prescribed Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are related to sustainability & the environment as per the BC Ministry of Education Framework, Environmental Learning and Experience Curriculum Map: Complexity and Aesthetics 5

6 Classification Capers After exploring the Aquarium, pick 4 animals that all have a characteristic in common perhaps they all have the same shaped fins or they all have spiky skin. Record the name of the animal and draw a sketch of it. What is the characteristic all these animals have in common? 1. Animal: 2. Animal: 3. Animal: 4. Animal: 6