Full lesson	Create for a teacher a set of content for giving a lesson, beginning with the lesson plan. Each new block of materials must begin with an H1 heading (other subheaders must be H2, H3, etc). When you describe required pictures, write those descriptions in curly brackets, for example: {A picture of a triangle}
Which subject	Science
What topic	Living and non living things dictomonous key
What length (min)	30
What age group	Doesn't matter
Class size	20
What curriculum
Include full script
Check previous homework
Ask some students to presents their homework
Add a physical break
Add group activities
Include homework
Show correct answers
Prepare slide templates
Number of slides	5
Create fill-in cards for students
Create creative backup tasks for unexpected moments

Lesson plan

Lesson Plan

Topic

Living and Non-Living Things Dichotomous Key

Objectives

• Identify characteristics that distinguish living things from non-living things.
• Understand how to use a dichotomous key to classify living and non-living entities.
• Develop critical thinking skills through classification and reasoning.

Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed dichotomous keys
• Pictures of living and non-living things (printed and/or digital)
• Science notebooks
• Pencils
• Projector (if needed for presentations)

Grade or Age Group

Year 4 to Year 6

Subject

Science

Class Size

20 students

National Curriculum Alignment

This lesson is aligned with the Australian Curriculum: Science, focusing on biological sciences and the scientific process.

Lesson Structure

Step Number	Step Title	Length (minutes)	Details
1	Introduction	5	Discuss the difference between living and non-living things. Introduce the concept of a dichotomous key.
2	Group Activity	10	Divide students into groups of 4. Provide them with pictures of various living and non-living things to classify using a dichotomous key.
3	Demonstration	5	Use the whiteboard to demonstrate how to use a dichotomous key with an example.
4	Independent Work	5	Students work individually to classify additional items using the dichotomous key in their science notebooks.
5	Review and Discuss	3	Gather students' insights on their findings. Discuss any challenges faced while using the key.
6	Homework Instructions	2	Provide homework: create a simple dichotomous key for 5 items from their home environment (living or non-living). Ensure students understand that they will submit it in class without presentations.

Homework

• Create a simple dichotomous key for 5 items from home, detailing whether they are living or non-living. This homework will be collected at the beginning of the next class without any student presentations.

Assessment

• Informal assessment through observation of group activities and class discussions.
• Review homework for understanding of the dichotomous key and classification of living vs non-living things.

Reflection

• After the lesson, reflect on the engagement and effectiveness of the lesson. Consider what worked well and what could be improved for future classes.

Lesson script