Arie Kazmierczak

ECUI 526
Prof. Reilly
Direct Instruction Lesson Plan
Title
Subject Areas

Grade Level
Summary of Lesson

Standards

Essential Questions
Objectives

Vocabulary

Science, Life Science

7-8th Grade
Through direct instruction students will
examine the importance of categorizing and
different species in order classify them.
Students will demonstrate their understanding
by placing organisms into the five different
kingdoms.
Standard - 3.1.7.A1 Describe the similarities
and differences of physical characteristics in
diverse organisms.

Why do we classify species? What benefits

are gained from it?
Students will be able to distinguish between 7
levels of classification as well as classify
organisms based off of their Kingdom.
7 Levels of Classification for Living Things:
Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family,
Genus and Species (from most general to most
specific).
Scientific Name: The name given to each
species, consisting of its genus name and its

species name
Genus: A group of similar species; the first
name in an organism's Scientific Name.
Species: The basic unit of taxonomy; a group
of similar organisms that can breed and
produce fertile offspring; the second name in
an organism's scientific name
Classification: Grouping organisms based on
their similarities
Estimated Time
Materials required
Procedure

Formative Assessment
Student Resources

50 minutes.
PowerPoint on 7 Levels of Classification,
Worksheet Kingdom Classification.
Write bell ringer question on board, along
with todays objectives.
Bell Ringer Question: Name five descriptive
ways in which you can tell things apart?
(Discuss results with class as a whole)
Read objectives: Students will be able to
define taxonomy and classify species using a
dichotomous key.
Begin presentation. Ask students if they know
what species and genus humans are? Explain
to students how we fit into the 7 Levels of
Classification for Living Things and how it is
used.
Continue presentation highlighting the key
vocabulary words.
Demonstrate how a dichotomous key is used
with the bird example very carefully.
Pass out the dragon dichotomous key
worksheets. Have students work
independently using the skills that were
demonstrated in the lesson.
Go over the worksheet collectively as a class.
Reviewing the material and process that was
covered in class.

Various questions throughout the lesson.

Classroom activity: Bird Dich. Key.
Power point handouts, worksheets

Accommodations Adaptations

Will follow the guidelines and procedures that

are included in the IEPs of the students.

Assessment

Independent activity: Dragon Dich Key.