The aim of this unit is to develop the idea of classification and to introduce formal systems of classification, drawing on examples from the science curriculum.

Following a general introduction, the unit looks at part of the periodic table of elements followed by classification of animals. Although the unit can be completed without any prior knowledge of chemical elements (there are activities to learn the symbols and names of a small number of elements), younger learners may be put off if they have never come across them before. One solution is to do this as a whole-class activity, or to have a short introduction to chemical elements first and then encourage students to work in pairs or small groups. Alternatively, the unit can be signposted for older learners in the age group.

On page 16, students are asked to list as many animals as they can think of in different categories. This could be set as a research activity, individually, in pairs, or in small groups, with findings shared in the class. Teachers could engage learners in discussion about formal systems of classification in other curriculum subjects.

Extension

• Find out the names and symbols of more chemical elements not included in the unit. How many can you find?
• In small groups, think about how things are classified in different subject areas. For example, how are musical instruments in an orchestra classified (brass, woodwind, strings, and so on)? How are words classified (noun, adjectives, verb, and so on)?
• Find out about the Dewey Decimal System of library classification (there is a unit in Information Literacy on this) - understanding this system of classification is the gateway to finding information in libraries.