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Secret Code Game—Discovering Dichotomous Keys
Submitted by: Janett A.
Recommended Grade Level(s):
Appropriate for: Grade 7
Time Requirements:
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Activity Time: 50 minutes
Teaching Topics & Concepts:
Students will learn how to read and interpret a dichotomous key.
National Science Standards Alignment
NGSS: MS-LS4-2. Apply scientific ideas to construct an explanation for the anatomical similarities and differences among modern
organisms and between modern and fossil organisms to infer evolutionary relationships.
Texas TEKS: 7.11A: Examine organisms or their structures such as insects or leaves and use dichotomous keys for identification.
Materials:
• 4 Quart size bags
• Pencil
• Pen
• Color pencil
• Highlighter
• Staple
• Paper clip
• Paper fastener/ brad
• Thumb tack
• Note card
• Sticky note
This content is being brought to you by the Ward's World,
Science By You program. This program brings lesson and
classroom activity ideas directly from science teachers
around the nation right to you. From best practices to
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and every grade level. Interested in sharing your own
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Safety
• Be careful when handling sharp objects.
• Always point sharp objects away from you and other people when examining.
!
• Sticker
• Tissue
• Eraser
• Tape
• Stamp
• Rubber band
• These Things are not Like the Other Handout—1 per group
• Secret Code Dichotomous Key Handout—1 per student
• Secret Code answer document Handout—1 per student
• Timer
