Resource #V109101

Précis

Students will choose a few examples of evergreen trees utilised to create the miniature environment. They will identify their characteristics and features using a table featuring key questions. Students can then try to identify the type of tree they have chosen.

Contextual Summary

This resource is for students in lower key stage 2 and relates to the ?Working Scientifically? part of the Science National Curriculum, focusing on identifying tree features, and using classification keys. The task links to specific aspects of the model village environment, notably the trees and plants & their variation in features and characteristics.

Curriculum Relevance

Science → Biology → Living things and their habitats

Implementation

This is an on-site resource that is designed to be completed during the trip to The Model Village, Godshill. Students will choose a few examples of evergreen trees utilised to create the miniature environment. They will identify their characteristics and features using a table featuring key questions. Students can then try to identify the type of tree they have chosen. It would be useful if students have had prior introduction to simple dichotomous keys (a key with two branches at each stage).

Key Skills Practised

• Working scientifically
• Identifying features of variation
• Recording data
• Using classification keys to enable identification of leaves

Learning Opportunities

Pre-Visit

Students could be introduced to classification / identification keys, and their functions/process etc.

On Site

Students explore the need to make critical observations of features in the plant material. They also learn that living things often show a lot of variability and this needs to be considered when handling the information. For example, individual plants of the same species may have leaves with different shapes and sizes. ? Students work individually or in pairs or small groups. ? Students should draw a picture of their leaf, making sure they have accurately recorded all the features of the leaf.

Post-Visit

Students can explore the species further by creating dichotomous keys of their own, identifying the exact type, and identifying the Latin name.

Learning Outcomes

Students will have worked scientifically and will demonstrate an understanding of how to identify key features of tree leaves/branches. Students will be able to identify tree types based on their characteristics, whilst recognising that living things can be grouped in a variety of ways. Students will explore their local environment and use classification keys to help group, identify and name living things within it.