Classification Keys · seed 1 · A4, ink-friendly. The answer key prints on its own page for grown-ups.

Classification Keys

Science · Ecosystems & Habitats · ages 8-9
Name ______________________   Date ____________

  1. Zara finds a creature she has never seen before. What can a classification key help her do?

    • Tell her what it eats
    • Show her where it sleeps
    • Find out its name

  2. A key asks: 'Does it have legs?' A slug has no legs. Which path should you follow?

    • The 'no' path
    • The 'yes' path
    • Stop, because the key is broken

  3. Where could you use a classification key?

    • Only on a computer
    • On a walk in the local woods
    • Only in a science laboratory

  4. Each question in a classification key splits the group into two smaller groups.

    Circle one:   True   False

  5. A key asks: 'Does it have a shell?' A snail has a shell. Which path should you follow?

    • The 'yes' path
    • The 'no' path
    • Neither, snails don't count

  6. You are making a key for 6 minibeasts. Which question splits them best?

    • Does it have wings?
    • Is it pretty?
    • What is its name?

  7. Zara is making a key for 8 pond creatures. Which question is the best one to ask first?

    • Which one do you like best?
    • Does it have a shell?
    • Is it fast?

  8. A key question splits 10 creatures. 6 creatures answer yes. How many creatures answer no?

    Answer: ______________

  9. Ravi writes this key question: 'Is it big?' Why is this a weak question for a key?

    • Big means different things to different people
    • Creatures are never big
    • Key questions must be about colors

  10. Leo's key sends both a ladybird and a beetle to the same name. What does his key need?

    • One more question that splits those two apart
    • Fewer creatures to sort
    • Longer questions
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Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Classification Keys W1-mt_brgde1Vx0P-s1

  1. Find out its name · A key is a tool for naming a living thing you do not recognize.
  2. The 'no' path · A slug has no legs, so the answer is no, and you follow the no branch.
  3. On a walk in the local woods · Keys work anywhere you find living things, like woods, parks, ponds, or gardens.
  4. True · Every key question has two answers, yes or no, so it always makes two smaller groups.
  5. The 'yes' path · The snail's shell means the answer is yes, so you follow the 'yes' branch.
  6. Does it have wings? · Wings is a clear yes/no feature you can see, so it splits the group cleanly.
  7. Does it have a shell? · A shell is a feature you can see and check with a yes or no. Speed is hard to test, and liking something is an opinion.
  8. 4 · Yes and no together must make 10, so 10 take away 6 leaves 4.
  9. Big means different things to different people · A good key question is about a clear feature you can check the same way every time. Big is a matter of opinion.
  10. One more question that splits those two apart · Two different creatures at one name means the key has not asked enough questions. A new question about a feature they do not share will split them.
Worksheet · LightMySky