Lesson Plan

• Describe why classification is essential in biology.
• Identify key features used to group organisms.
• Explain the hierarchical taxonomic ranks from domain to species.
• Apply classification principles to assign example organisms to the correct rank.
• Evaluate the importance of DNA sequencing in modern taxonomy.

• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed classification worksheets
• Taxonomy hierarchy poster
• Images of sample organisms (human, rose, salmon, etc.)
• Laptops/tablets for an interactive quiz

Begin with a quick think‑pair‑share: “How would you organize a massive library of books?” Connect this to the need to organise the immense diversity of living things. Review prior knowledge of cell types and nutrition, then state that by the end of the lesson students will be able to state the classification principle and list the main taxonomic ranks.

1. Do‑now (5'): Students write a brief answer to “Why do we need to classify organisms?” and share with a partner.
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Explain the purpose of classification, key features, and display a hierarchical tree diagram.
3. Guided practice (12'): Work through the rank table, discuss examples, and complete a worksheet matching organisms to ranks.
4. Interactive quiz (10'): Use a Kahoot/online quiz to identify classification features and discuss the role of DNA sequencing.
5. Check understanding (8'): Students answer three written questions from the source material.
6. Summary & exit ticket (5'): Students write one sentence summarising the classification principle on a sticky note and hand it in.

Recap that organisms are grouped by shared characteristics into a nested hierarchy. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding, then assign homework: each student creates a classification chart for a chosen organism, highlighting its rank at each level.