Dichotomous Key Worksheets and Inquiry Labs

In this lab, students will will sort leaves based on their characteristics and then identify structures that are used to classify leaves (leaf shape, margin shape, and patterns of venation). They will then follow a dichotomous key to identify “mystery” leaves.

For the first section of the lab, you may provide actual leaves for the students to examine. You will need at least 10 leaves per group; they should be stapled to index cards and labeled with the species names. Be aware of contact allergies; gloves are recommended.

If you cannot use real leaves due to allergies or the season of the year, you can print out the 16 Leaf Sample cards. The cards should be cut apart before the lab begins. You may want to print the cards in color and laminate them for future use. You may also wish to double-sided print and laminate the Leaf Information Pages.

The product contains worksheets and three complete labs that are differentiated for all of your students.

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What's Included:

- Teacher Resource Pages - prep time, standards/objectives, teacher directions, materials, and additional resources.

- Answer Keys - suggested answer keys for the labs

- CER Conclusion and Reflection Questions - Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning statements along with 3 reflection questions per lab.

- All pages are EDITABLE.

3 Differentiated Labs

Dependent Student Lab- A complete lab. This level is written with a combination of procedural instructions and inquiry questions. They are moderately student-centered with guided inquiry questions throughout the lab. Suggested for on-level learners.

Modified Student Lab - A complete lab. This level provides the most structured lab experience. The lessons may eliminate parts of the lab and change the questioning to include sentence stems or multiple choice questions. Suggested for learners with modifications.

Independent Student Lab - A complete lab. This level is the most student-centered experience. Suggestions are made for the students to get started, but most of the decisions will be student-centered. The students will be responsible for most aspects of the lab and will have the least guidance. Suggested for advanced learners.

Materials Needed Per Group:

Leaf Information Pages (1 – 2)

10 different leaves or the Leaf Sample pages, printed and cut apart

Standards Alignment

TEKS 7.11 A - Examine organisms or their structures such as insects or leaves and use dichotomous keys for identification.

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Terms of Use

Copyright © Chris Kesler. All rights reserved by the author. This product is to be used by the original downloader only. Copying for more than one teacher, classroom, department, school, or school system is prohibited. This product may not be distributed or displayed digitally for public view. Failure to comply is a copyright infringement and a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Clipart and elements found in this PDF are copyrighted and cannot be extracted and used outside of this file without permission or license. Intended for classroom and personal use ONLY.