Kingdom Animalia
Course Overview
Biological classification is the categorisation of organisms based on their shared characteristics. In this course students will explore biological classification, taxonomy and Carolus Linnaeus’s seven levels of classification. Students will have a chance to test their understanding of this system by classifying a ‘new’ organism.
Background information
Taxonomy is frequently used to determine the similarity of species. Historically, similarity was determined by examining the physical characteristics of an organism but modern classification uses a variety of techniques including genetic analysis.
Year level: Years 7-8
Prior knowledge
No prior knowledge required.
Course connections
Does this course link to other Ecolinc programs?
This course is an ideal introduction before attending the following onsite programs:
‘Classifying Living Things‘
This course is an ideal extension after attending the following onsite programs:
‘The Aark‘
or this course can stand alone as a learning experience.
Learning intentions
- Apply their understanding of taxonomy to classify new animals
Victorian curriculum
Science – Biological Sciences Level 7/8
- There are differences within and between groups of organisms; classification helps organise this diversity (VCSSU091)
Science – Recording and processing Level 7/8
- Construct and use a range of representations including graphs, keys and models to record and summarise data from students’ own investigations and secondary sources, and to represent and analyse patterns and relationships (VCSIS110)
Course Creator: Jo Tate
