The Taxonomic Keys activity kit for biology and life science introduces fictitious organisms, which provide an excellent and motivating first experience in the use of a dichotomous key.
Fictitious organisms, the Norits from the planet Norad, provide an excellent and motivating first experience in the use of a dichotomous key. The unique and unfamiliar structures possessed by the Norits create interest as students use the provided dichotomous key to identify the genus and species name of all ten provided organisms. After naming the ten provided organisms, students will then be challenged to draw diagrams of other Norits. An excellent introductory, hands-on activity using a dichotomous key.
Super Value Kit is complete for a class of students working individually. All materials are reusable.
Correlation to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Science & Engineering Practices
Obtaining, evaluation, and communicating information
Disciplinary Core Ideas
MS-LS4.A: Evidence of Common Ancestry and Diversity HS-LS4.A: Evidence of Common Ancestry and Diversity
Crosscutting Concepts
Patterns
Performance Expectations
HS-LS4-1. Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical evidence.