Example Lesson Plans

The Six Kingdoms of Life, Tetrapod Cladogram, and the Dinosaur Cladogram projects are exercises in critical thinking, detective work, and problem solving. This course of study includes the basic readings, the three projects, student log, notebook work, and extension activities. There are several options that are customizable depending on the age of the student, the ability levels, and the interest levels:

High school and adult suggestions:

 

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5th to 8th grade suggestions:
Complete all A and B level assignments. The *C level cladogram and notebook extensions can be completed by advanced learners. Again, Notebook Extensions are encouraged, but not required. 

 

elementary suggestions:

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Kingdoms of Life, Tetrapod Cladogram, and Dinosaur Cladogram Tips
For each of the three projects, detective work is key:

• Read the descriptions of each life form.

• Look for clues about how each life form is classified.

• Do an internet search for even more specifics (but be sure to look at multiple, reliable sources).

• Consult SNH (pp. 32-33) on the general life line and then get more information from the details of each lifeform

These three projects are just as much about the process as they are about the finished products. The Six Kingdoms of Life is a bit challenging, but much easier than the cladograms. Quality over quantity-reduce the amount of lifeforms to research. Placement of life forms isn’t an exact science. If the student has gone to multiple sources and placed the life form in the generally correct location, it is sufficient. We can only place lifeforms based on available clues. With experience, it will get easier to sniff out the best locations.

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