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Lesson Plan for Thursday, September 3rd, 2013 Dichotomous Key Objectives: Students will be able to define what
a dichotomous key is. Students will be able to use a dichotomous key to classify a set of materials by their characteristics and traits. I Can Statements: I can use a dichotomous key. I can classify items by their characteristics and traits. Anticipatory Set: [worksheet attached] Teacher will introduce dichotomous keys by showing them an equation of 5 different pictures that represent the sound of each syllable of dichotomous key. Students will be asked to look at the picture and try to sound out the word by saying what they see in pictures. If they are having a difficult time figuring it out on their own teacher can suggest to talk to a partner. Give them a few minutes and then bring them back, ask a few students what they come up with and then give them the answer if they are still stumped. Direct Instruction: After the anticipatory set, explain to students that a dichotomous key is a process often used in science to help classify materials by their characteristics and traits. Use students to demonstrate how to classify materials by characteristics and traits. Example: Start by picking out one student to classify (in your mind) and then ask all students to stand up. Ask all the blue eyed students to stand to the right side, green eyed students to stand to the left and brown eyed students to stand in the middle. Ask the student you chose group to remain standing and other groups can sit. Then ask the standing group to split up by red hair, brown hair and blonde hair, then by glasses or no glasses, then by braces or no braces, etc. Continue classifying the students until you have narrowed down to one student and then announce the material or students name aloud. Checking Understanding:
Formatively assess students while you are giving the example. Ask students if they are comfortable with understanding what a dichotomous key is by using thumbs up or thumbs down. If needed teacher can also demonstrate another example using students. Guided Practice: Divide students into 12 groups, give each group materials and each student a dichotomous key worksheet. Have them practice how to use a dichotomous key with their group but remind all students to fill out their individual worksheet. When groups are finished gather back onto the carpet. Closure: Review the worksheet using the elmo and use the materials to classify with the students by having them guide you through the worksheet. This helps to check for understanding and to see if students have grasped the concept of using a dichotomous key. Materials: 12 Crayons 12 Erasers 12 Scissors 12 Markers 12 Pencil Sharpener 12 Alligator Clips 12 Highlighters 12 Paper Clips 12 Rubberbands Dichotomous key activity worksheet Self Reflection/Evaluation: Ask each student to fill out a note card that has one thing they learned about dichotomous keys by doing this activity.
