Biodiversity Exploration, Classification, Taxonomy, and Dichotomous Keys - Middle School Life Science Lesson

This life science lesson looks at what biodiversity is, why it is important, and how organisms are classified on earth. The teaches the 6 major groups of organisms as well as the 7 levels of taxonomy and how to use and create a dichotomous key. This lesson is intended for students in grades 6-8. The lesson includes the lesson as well as TWO additional activities.

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1.Identify distinguishing characteristics of different groups of organisms.

2.Understand the basics of biological classification.

3.Use a simple classification system to categorize organisms.

In order, the lesson covers:

• What is Biodiversity?
• Why Classify Living Things?
• 6 Major Groups of Organisms
• Animals, Plants, Fungi, Protists, Bacteria (Eubacteria), and Archaea
• Classification/Taxonomy
• How Living Things are Grouped
• 7 Levels of Taxonomy
• Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species
• Binomial Naming System
• Dichotomous Key

Included in the lesson package is:

• The teacher version of the presentation
• The student version of the presentation
• FOUR embedded videos
• 4-Question Exit Ticket
• Student lesson handout
• Mythical Creature Dichotomous Key Activity
• The 6 Kingdoms WebQuest

✅ Covers Key Life Science Concepts – Explore biodiversity, classification, taxonomy, and dichotomous keys in one complete lesson

✅ Interactive & Inquiry-Based – Includes 4 embedded videos, guided discussions, and student fill-in-the-blank notes

✅ Google & Office Compatible – Editable versions of slides, handouts, and exit ticket for seamless digital or classroom use

✅ No Prep, Ready to Teach – Teacher and student versions, exit ticket, and handout included for quick implementation

Google and Distance Learning Ready

• This lesson includes both Office and Google formats for ALL resources. The presentation is in PowerPoint and Google Slides while all documents contain Word and Google Doc versions.
• Your resource is perfect for distance learning and integrates seamlessly with Google Classroom as I've included a link that will automatically create a copy of the resources and put them directly into your Google Drive with one click.
• Purchase --> Open --> Click --> Assign to your students

Having both options allows you to use either without worrying about formatting issues as all the work has already been done for you. It safeguards you in case your department or school decides to go Google 100% and allows you as well as your students to access everything no matter where you are or what kind of equipment is being used.

The student version of the presentation contains multiple blanks that need to be filled in throughout the lesson. These blanks are conveniently underlined and bolded on the teacher copy. I have found this to be the most effective means of keeping my students engaged and active without having them write everything out. This also leaves more time for discussion and activities.

I also have a range of assignments and lessons/units from other grade levels at my store. Please CLICK HERE to have a look around and don’t forget to follow if you like what you see.