Classification

Year 6 first began their introduction of the classification system by researching its history and its creator. They found out that Carl Linnaeus developed a system of grouping all living organisms by their characteristics. They explored the different kingdoms and the binomial naming systems, such as homo sapien and fells catus.  
 

After testing out a few classification keys for minibeasts, the children then set to work to create a key that could identify individual children in the class, using similarities and differences in their physical characteristics. 

Ask your child how to create a classification key. 

Classification with vertebrates

The next part of their science investigation required the children to look at how the animal kingdom was separated into further groups. The children then completed a comparison grid to show the differences with each vertebrate group: amphibians, birds, fish, mammals and reptiles. This helped show both warm and cold blooded creatures. 
 

After understanding this part of the classification system the children set to work to see how polar animals could be identified by a classification key of their own making. Working in pairs, the first step was to list similarities and then find the difference which could separate 2 similar creatures. Their keys were then tested by another partnership to help refine if needed.  

Ask your child to explain the word vertebrate.