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Dichotomous Key Candy Classification Lab- Classify and Identify Objects, Biology
Dichotomous Key Candy Classification Lab- Classify and Identify Objects, Biology
Dichotomous Key Candy Classification Lab- Classify and Identify Objects, Biology
Dichotomous Key Candy Classification Lab- Classify and Identify Objects, Biology
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What others say

"My students loved this activity on classification and dichotomous keys! They especially loved the candy part of it! The candy made it easier to understand how things can be grouped!"
star
Emily S.

Description

Get ready for a fun, hands-on learning experience with the Dichotomous Key Candy Classification Lab! In this engaging lab, students will dive into the exciting world of classification by using a dichotomous key to identify and classify various candies based on their characteristics.

Why Students Will Love This Lab:

  • Candy + Science = Fun – Students get to explore the fascinating world of scientific classification while using real candies or printable candy cards.
  • Interactive & Engaging – They’ll actively classify different candies like Hershey’s Kisses, Skittles, and Jolly Ranchers, recording their findings and even coming up with their own unique classification system.
  • Creativity & Critical Thinking – After identifying candies, students will create their own dichotomous key, selecting objects of their choice and inventing scientific names to make the activity even more fun!
  • Real-World Application – The lab ends with reflection questions that encourage students to think critically about how dichotomous keys are used in real scientific scenarios.

What’s Inside:

  • Student Lab Instructions – Clear and concise lab instructions to guide students through the candy classification process.
  • Instructor Answer Key – An easy-to-use answer key for quick reference and efficient grading.
  • Printable Candy Cards – An allergy-friendly option that ensures every student can participate, whether or not real candy is available.
  • Analysis and Reflection Questions – Thought-provoking questions to encourage students to reflect on their learning process and the science behind classification.

Required Materials:

  • Assorted Candies (Hershey’s Kisses, Skittles, Dum Dums, Jolly Ranchers, Starburst, Tootsie Rolls, Striped Mint Peppermint Candy) or Printable Candy Cards
  • Small Plastic Bags or Containers for organizing candies

Perfect for Middle and High School Students

This lab combines scientific skills with creative thinking, making it the ideal activity for middle and high school classrooms. Whether you're teaching classification or just want to spice up your lessons, this lab provides a sweet and educational experience for all!

You Might Also Like...

Dichotomous Keys Presentation & Notes

Characteristics of Living Things Lab

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Dichotomous Key Candy Classification Lab- Classify and Identify Objects, Biology

Rated 5 out of 5, based on 3 reviews
5.0 (3 ratings)
Spectacular Science
1.5k Followers
$3.00

Highlights

Digital downloads
Grades icon
Grades
8th - 11th
Standards icon
Standards
Pages
17
Answer Key
Included
Teaching Duration
1 hour

What others say

"My students loved this activity on classification and dichotomous keys! They especially loved the candy part of it! The candy made it easier to understand how things can be grouped!"
star
Emily S.

Save even more with bundles

Make Biology interactive and engaging with the Biology Full Year Lab Bundle! This comprehensive collection of editable, inquiry-based labs gives students hands-on experiences that deepen their understanding of living systems and biological processes. Designed to complement your curriculum, these lab
Price $99.00Original Price $126.00Save $27.00
33

Description

Get ready for a fun, hands-on learning experience with the Dichotomous Key Candy Classification Lab! In this engaging lab, students will dive into the exciting world of classification by using a dichotomous key to identify and classify various candies based on their characteristics.

Why Students Will Love This Lab:

  • Candy + Science = Fun – Students get to explore the fascinating world of scientific classification while using real candies or printable candy cards.
  • Interactive & Engaging – They’ll actively classify different candies like Hershey’s Kisses, Skittles, and Jolly Ranchers, recording their findings and even coming up with their own unique classification system.
  • Creativity & Critical Thinking – After identifying candies, students will create their own dichotomous key, selecting objects of their choice and inventing scientific names to make the activity even more fun!
  • Real-World Application – The lab ends with reflection questions that encourage students to think critically about how dichotomous keys are used in real scientific scenarios.

What’s Inside:

  • Student Lab Instructions – Clear and concise lab instructions to guide students through the candy classification process.
  • Instructor Answer Key – An easy-to-use answer key for quick reference and efficient grading.
  • Printable Candy Cards – An allergy-friendly option that ensures every student can participate, whether or not real candy is available.
  • Analysis and Reflection Questions – Thought-provoking questions to encourage students to reflect on their learning process and the science behind classification.

Required Materials:

  • Assorted Candies (Hershey’s Kisses, Skittles, Dum Dums, Jolly Ranchers, Starburst, Tootsie Rolls, Striped Mint Peppermint Candy) or Printable Candy Cards
  • Small Plastic Bags or Containers for organizing candies

Perfect for Middle and High School Students

This lab combines scientific skills with creative thinking, making it the ideal activity for middle and high school classrooms. Whether you're teaching classification or just want to spice up your lessons, this lab provides a sweet and educational experience for all!

You Might Also Like...

Dichotomous Keys Presentation & Notes

Characteristics of Living Things Lab

Looking for quality resources and time-saving tips for your secondary science classroom?

Follow Spectacular Science on TPT

Subscribe to My Newsletter

Check Out My Blog

Follow Me on Instagram

Report this resource to TPT
Reported resources will be reviewed by our team. Report this resource to let us know if this resource violates TPT's content guidelines.

Reviews

5.0
Rated 5 out of 5, based on 3 reviews
3
ratings
All verified TPT purchases
My Students Loved This Activity!!
Rated 5 out of 5
May 4, 2026
Met expectations
Great value
Standards-aligned
My students loved this activity on classification and dichotomous keys! They especially loved the candy part of it! The candy made it easier to understand how things can be grouped!
Emily S.
52 reviews • West Virginia
Grades taught: 10th
Spectacular Science
Response from
Spectacular Science
(TPT Seller)
May 9, 2026

Thank you so much, Emily! I’m thrilled to hear your students enjoyed the candy classification activity and that it helped make dichotomous keys easier to understand. I appreciate your feedback!

Rated 5 out of 5
June 12, 2025
My students loved this resource and it was a great tool for them to use!
Natalie T.
198 reviews
Grades taught: 11th
Spectacular Science
Response from
Spectacular Science
(TPT Seller)
Jun 22, 2025

Thank you so much, Natalie! I’m thrilled to hear your students loved the Dichotomous Key Candy Lab—it’s such a fun way to explore classification! I really appreciate your kind words and support!

Rated 5 out of 5
June 2, 2025
Excellent resource, it was exactly what I was looking for!
Kelley H.
1,066 reviews
Grades taught: 8th
Spectacular Science
Response from
Spectacular Science
(TPT Seller)
Jun 9, 2025

Thank you so much, Kelley! I’m so happy to hear the lab was exactly what you were looking for. I hope your 8th graders had a blast classifying candy—it’s such a fun way to learn! I really appreciate your support!

Questions & Answers

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Standards

to see state-specific standards (only available in the US).
NGSSMS-ETS1-1
Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.
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