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    Classification, Dichotomous Key Potato Chip Sort

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    chabries
    This document provides instructions for a classroom activity where students classify different types of potato chips using observable characteristics to create a dichotomous key. The activity aims to introduce students to the structure of dichotomous keys and demonstrate that science allows for multiple correct answers. Students will work in groups to develop their own dichotomous keys to identify potato chips and recognize the validity of other classification systems developed by their classmates. The teacher provides sample potato chips for students to observe, compare, and use to build their keys.

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    Classification, Dichotomous Key Potato Chip Sort

    Uploaded by

    chabries
    1K views2 pages
    This document provides instructions for a classroom activity where students classify different types of potato chips using observable characteristics to create a dichotomous key. The activity aims to introduce students to the structure of dichotomous keys and demonstrate that science allows for multiple correct answers. Students will work in groups to develop their own dichotomous keys to identify potato chips and recognize the validity of other classification systems developed by their classmates. The teacher provides sample potato chips for students to observe, compare, and use to build their keys.

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    This document provides instructions for a classroom activity where students classify different types of potato chips using observable characteristics to create a dichotomous key. The activity aims to introduce students to the structure of dichotomous keys and demonstrate that science allows for multiple correct answers. Students will work in groups to develop their own dichotomous keys to identify potato chips and recognize the validity of other classification systems developed by their classmates. The teacher provides sample potato chips for students to observe, compare, and use to build their keys.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as TXT, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as txt or txt
    1K views2 pages

    Classification, Dichotomous Key Potato Chip Sort

    Uploaded by

    chabries
    This document provides instructions for a classroom activity where students classify different types of potato chips using observable characteristics to create a dichotomous key. The activity aims to introduce students to the structure of dichotomous keys and demonstrate that science allows for multiple correct answers. Students will work in groups to develop their own dichotomous keys to identify potato chips and recognize the validity of other classification systems developed by their classmates. The teacher provides sample potato chips for students to observe, compare, and use to build their keys.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as TXT, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as txt or txt
    of 2

    CECsci.

    143

    TITLE: POTATO CHIP CLASSIFICATION

    AUTHOR: Janet C. Duncan, Meadow Glade School


    Battle Ground, WA

    GRADE LEVEL: Appropriate for grades 5-8.

    OVERVIEW: The purpose of this activity is twofold. Used at


    the beginning of the year, it introduces the structure and
    function of a dichotomous key preparatory to asking students
    to identify plant and animal specimens. It also reinforces
    the idea that there are many "right" answers in science.

    OBJECTIVE(s): Students will be able to:


    1. Classify "specimens" (in this case, potato chips)
    according to observable characteristics.
    2. Prepare a "key" showing their classification system.
    3. Use their key to identify a specimen.
    4. Recognize the validity of classmates' classification
    systems.

    MATERIALS/RESOURCES:
    1. Eight bags of potato chips selected for differences
    in observable characteristics (i.e. color, texture,
    brand name, flavoring, etc.)
    2. Chalkboard or overhead projector for recording class
    key.
    3. Representative samples of each type of chip in
    labeled plastic bags. (Quantity determined by number
    of student groups.)
    4. Paper and pencils for student group recording.

    ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:


    1. Display bags of potato chips and discuss their
    similarities and differences.
    2. Ask volunteer to divide chips into two groups using an
    observable characteristic (i.e. flavored/not flavored).
    3. Record results of first division.
    4. Continue to divide groups of chips, using a different
    characteristic each time, until only one bag of chips
    remains in each group. Continue recording results.
    5. Using the class key, identify "unknown" chips.
    6. Divide class into groups of four to six students.
    7. Provide each group with a sample set of chips.
    8. Ask each group to devise and test a dichotomous key
    that is different from the class key.
    9. Record and share results.
    10. Eat the chips!

    EXTENSIONS:
    1. Repeat activity with other objects such as candy,
    shoes, etc.
    2. Share story of potato chips resulting from "mistake."
    ("Mistakes that Worked" by Charlotte Jones)
    3. Introduce and use plant and animal keys.
    SAMPLE KEY:

    orange (Party Pride Barbeque)


    flavored
    not orange (Party Pride Sour Cream)
    Chips in box
    ridges (Bell Dip Chips)
    not flavored
    no ridges (Party Pride Potato Chips)
    ridges (Nalley's Dip Chips)

    Chips in bag
    not "gourmet" (Lay's Potato Chips)
    no ridges
    salted (Kettle Chips
    Jalapeno)
    "gourmet"
    unsalted (Kettle
    Chips Unsalted)

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