St. Patrick's Day: Clover Classification
Grade Level: 9-12
Subject/Content: Science/Biology
Summary of lesson: Students will create, and understand the importance of creating, classification keys for identifying organisms
Focus Question: How are organisms classified into their species?
Resource(s): Science Resource Center
Procedures:
- Initiate a class discussion revolving around St. Patrick's Day traditions
- If possible, take the students for a quick journey outside to an area where a clover patch is growing. Tell them to try to find a four leaf clover to bring back to the classroom (about 10000 to 1 odds – but possible!). For those who can't find a four leaf clover, have them bring back two, three leaf clovers
- Once back inside, have the students press their clover(s) in between two paper towels inside their textbook for later use
- Tell students they will be examining the classification of clovers and creating a small presentation board. For now they should collect information on different species of clover including information such as scientific name, location, characteristics, etc.
- To retrieve the information, allow the students class time to access Science Resource Center and search "clovers". Once found instruct students to click on the reference tab and they should be able to locate at least four species with diagrams of each
- After compiling their information, explain how they can construct a creative interactive board that highlights their "lucky" four leaf clover as one of the species
- Create a bulletin board space for students to post their St. Patrick's Day display
Steps/Activities by Student(s):
- Participate in a class discussion revolving around St. Patrick's Day traditions
- Try to find a four leaf clover to bring back to the classroom (about 10000 to 1 odds – but possible!) when your teacher takes you out to the designated area. If you can't find a four leaf clover, bring back two, three leaf clovers
- Once back inside, press your clover(s) in between two paper towels inside your textbook for later use
- Use the provided class time to search "clovers" in Science Resource Center. Click on the reference tab and you should be able to locate at least four species with diagrams of each. Collect information on different species of clover including scientific name, location, characteristics, etc.
- Compile your information into a creative, interactive board that highlights your "lucky" four leaf clover as one of the species
- To create your four leaf clover, carefully remove one leaf from one of your three leaf clovers. Using white glue, attach the leaf to the three leaf clover that is still intact. Be sure to attach your "lucky" clover onto your board
- Post your board on the designated St. Patrick's Day space
Outcome: Students will be able to recognize why certain plants are classified into particular specie groups
Related Activities: This activity can also be done around any holiday. Simply chose an appropriate organism to focus on and research classification components of that organism
Standard Date: December 1994
Content Standard(s): NS.9-12.1(A) Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry, Understandings about scientific inquiry; NS.9-12.3(C) Biological evolution, Behavior of organisms, Interdependence of organisms; NS.9-12(G) Nature of scientific knowledge
Performance Indicators:
- At Level 1, the student is able to:
- Chart information from articles about clover species
- At Level 2, the student is able to:
- Investigate and learn about unique examples of clover species
- At Level 3, the student is able to:
- Draw conclusions and help others draw conclusions about organisms based on organism characteristics
Computer Literacy and Usage Standards 9-12:
- The student will demonstrate proficiency in the care and use of computer-based technology
- The student will develop skills using a variety of computer resources to increase productivity, support creativity, conduct and evaluate research, and improve communications
- The student will use technology resources to improve problem solving and decision-making skills and apply these skills to real world situations
ISTE NETS for Students
- Creativity and Innovation
- Communication and Collaboration
- Research and Information Fluency
- Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving & Decision Making
- Technology Operations and Concepts
Information Power; Information Literacy Standards:
- Standard 1: The student who is information literate accesses information efficiently and effectively
- Standard 2: The student who is information literate evaluates information critically and competently
- Standard 3: The student who s information literate uses information accurately and creatively