Two-Day Dichotomous Key Taxonomy Project for Biology

Welcome! Dichotomous keys are useful tools for identifying unknown species in the realm of taxonomy. Introductory pages of field guides frequently contain dichotomous keys. People typically observe an unknown species to glean the key characteristics needed for identification with the help of a dichotomous key. These taxonomic resources remind me of the classic children’s Choose Your Own Adventure book series, where the reader chooses the pathway through the book. Another analogy is driving down a road that has continuous forks or splits.

Every year, I devote two days in biology during our taxonomy unit, modeling how to construct two different dichotomous keys. The keys arise from the same list of ten species students brainstormed at the start of the first day. Students create a branching tree dichotomous key with my help on an opening day. The following day, I show them how to convert the first version to a nested style (outline) version. Students earnestly begin work on both versions of their dichotomous keys on successive days after the demonstrations.

This listing offers a twelve-page guide that provides the following sections.

• Background
• Directions for day one
• Three-page guide on how to demonstrate a branching tree dichotomous key
• An illustration of the final product of the sample branching tree dichotomous key
• Instructions for day two on how to convert the branching dichotomous key to a nested style (outline) version
• An illustration of the final product of the sample nested style (outline) dichotomous key
• Project rules and options
• Project rubrics

This two-day lesson offers students a fantastic opportunity to compare and contrast species. It is a neat introduction to a tour of the six kingdoms of life, which usually follows in the biology scope and sequence. This quest fosters creativity, which is uncommon in the realm of science activities that predominantly seek fact and precision-driven answers. This project offers two hands-on experiences to practice making the dichotomous keys. Students will receive explicit directions, which is especially beneficial for students who need structure to learn.

This PDF file will become editable upon conversion to Microsoft Word using an Adobe Acrobat DC Reader program.

I offer answer keys for the demonstrated versions of the dichotomous key. I am unable to provide answer keys for the student projects due to the creative nature of the task. 

This project complements the following resources in my store.

Taxonomy Venn Diagram and Cladogram Activity

Taxonomy Unit Exam for Biology

I appreciate your interest. I have published games, kits, books, and posters through several different science supply corporations dating back to 2002. Order with confidence!