If you have ever taught Physical and Behavioral Traits (or Adaptations), then you know some students struggle with differentiating between the two!
We are getting ready to launch into our unit on TRAITS LS3-1, LS3-2, LS4-2. Before we begin, I like to pull out my Classification Unit to engage and elicit background information...
WOW! It is such a powerful way to start this unit!
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(Note: classification is a part of 2nd Grade NGSS, and
Traits can be found in both Middle School and High School NGSS!)
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1. Students are asked to work in small groups and choose a Leader, Time-Keeper, Recorder, and Encourager (check out our democratic role-taking practices!) 👇😊
2. Once roles are established, groups begin to brainstorm all the ways they can sort the items on the worksheet.
3. We come together as a large group and share out. I record these ideas down, and then we work together to determine which 'traits' are physical and which are behavioral.
4. Next, I model how to use a dichotomous key with these same items. This year, one student actually said, "I love doing this!" 😍
5. Afterwards, we continue to practice classifying by sorting with Sort Cards and with actual objects. I prefer to use collections of buttons, shells, and toy cars.
6. This typically takes about 3-4 sessions, and then we are ready to launch our TRAITS unit!
This can really enhance any STEAM, STEM, or PBL unit you are doing, which involves classification or traits!
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