Classifying Living Things
This lesson introduces Year 6 pupils to the scientific method of classifying living things. Students will learn about Carl Linnaeus, the hierarchy of biological classification, and how to group organisms based on observable characteristics and broad similarities.
Learning objectives
- Identify the key characteristics used to classify living things into the five kingdoms.
- Explain the Linnaean system of classification, including the seven levels of hierarchy.
- Classify animals into broader groups (vertebrates and invertebrates) and subgroups (e.g., mammals, insects).
- Describe how living things are named using binomial nomenclature (Genus and Species).
Lesson plan (60 minutes)
Introduction · 5 min
Hook: 'Odd One Out' game using images of a dog, a shark, and a dolphin to discuss shared characteristics.
Direct Instruction · 15 min
Teacher-led explainer: Introduction to the Linnaean system, the five kingdoms, and the hierarchy of classification.
Guided Practice · 10 min
Classification Activity: In pairs, students sort a bag of mixed animal/plant cards into groups and explain their reasoning.
Independent Practice · 20 min
Differentiated Worksheets: Students work independently on Support, Core, or Stretch tasks.
Plenary · 10 min
Multiple-choice quiz and recap of the 7 levels of classification.
Key vocabulary
- Classification
- The scientific process of grouping living things together.
- Kingdom
- The highest level of classification (e.g., Animal Kingdom).
- Vertebrate
- An animal that has a backbone/spine.
- Invertebrate
- An animal that does not have a backbone.
- Carl Linnaeus
- The scientist who created the Linnaean system of classification.
Core worksheet (first questions)
- 1. Who was Carl Linnaeus and what was his contribution to science?
- 2. List the seven levels of classification in order from broadest to most specific.
- 3. Name the five kingdoms of life.
- 4. Describe the difference between a vertebrate and an invertebrate, giving an example of each.
Quiz (sample)
1. Who developed the modern system for classifying living things?
- A. Charles Darwin
- B. Carl Linnaeus
- C. Isaac Newton
- D. Stephen Hawking
2. Which of these is the broadest (top) level of classification?
- A. Species
- B. Order
- C. Kingdom
- D. Phylum
3. Which level of classification is the most specific?
- A. Genus
- B. Family
- C. Class
- D. Species
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