Take learning outside and start classifying grasslands. Young ecologists observe grassland plants in order to classify them into the appropriate species by family. They note their characteristics and where they grow. A true field investigation that helps learners develop classification skills in science.

Concepts

plants, plant classification, scientific classification, species

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Flip the lesson having pupils complete
• Modify the lesson to fit the needs of what your class already knows or does not know about grasslands
• Take the class outside the school, to a local park, a prairie, or on a field trip to complete the lesson

Classroom Considerations

• Ensure all individuals have access to the Internet to watch the video, conduct the research, and complete the e-sheets
• Pupils should have background knowledge in grassland ecosystems
• Digital cameras are suggested but not required; have pupils draw their observations if a camera is not available

Pros

• The plan comes with detailed procedures, background information for teachers, e-sheets, and worksheet field journals
• Includes links to access various plant websites

Cons

• The transparency rulers link does not work

Common Core

RST.6-8.3 RST.6-8.7 WHST.6-8.1.e WHST.6-8.2.f