Gimme all your (Dichotomous) Keyz Objective:

SWBAT use dichotomous keys to classify organisms

Catalyst: Melvin is trying to classify all his

different types of shoes in his closet. What are 5 different characteristics he could use to organize his shoes?

Agenda

Catalyst Dichotomous Keys Bean Hustler? Crazy People classifications Practice! Exit Question

What if I have no idea what these are? How can I find out?

Key Point #1

A dichotomous key is a tool used to identify unfamiliar organisms. Dichotomous/dichotomy = branching,

contrasting or opposite ideas. Answer yes/no on a series of paired

statements that describe physical characteristics of different organisms.

The end result you find out what something is!

Dichotomous Key…Let’s try it!

Bean Scientist

You are out on the street trying to score some beans! You are buying beans from this bean seller and you are afraid he is selling you the wrong type of beans. He says these beans are special pinto beans. Is he being sketchy?

THANK GOD YOU NEVER LEAVE YOUR HOME WITHOUT YOUR BEAN DICHOTOMOUS KEY!!!

Using dichotomous keys…

Always start at number 1 Pick which one is true and then follow the directions.

Keep doing the process until you get to an answer.

Lets try it!

“Let’s have a BEAN-y good time!”

Garbanzo Bean

“These will only cost you $1/lb”

Kidney Bean

“If you buy the special pintos, these will be free…”

White Northern

“Ummm…ahhhh…hmmm…I think…”

Pinto Bean

“I know what these are…”

Black Bean

The Bean Seller is one sketchy man!!!

Let’s classify some fissssshhhhFirst, cut out each of these fish and you

try classifying them based off what makes sense to you.

Then, lets figure out the names of each using the dichotomous key on the bottom!

SWEET!

Independent Practice

Classify these craaaazy people!

Exit Question

What are these chips? Explain how you know, using the dichotomous key.

1a. Chips have ridged surface - go to 2

1b. Chips have non-ridged surface - go to 3

2a. Chips orange color = Ruffles BBQ

2b. Chips tan color = Ruffles Original

3a. Orange color = Lays BBQ

3b. Tan color = Lays Classic

1a. Chips have ridged surface - go to 2

1b. Chips have non-ridged surface - go to 3

2a. Chips orange color = Ruffles BBQ

2b. Chips tan color = Ruffles Original

3a. Orange color = Lays BBQ

3b. Tan color = Lays Classic