Science·Ecosystems & Habitats·conceptual
Classifying Organisms
Describe how living things are classified into broad groups (micro-organisms, plants, animals) according to common observable characteristics, similarities, and differences
Suggested ages 10–11
Learning journey
Your child is learning how scientists classify living things into groups based on their characteristics and understanding how matter moves through ecosystems as plants, animals, and decomposers interact with their environment.
Evidence of understanding
- Name the broad classification groups: micro-organisms, plants, animals (and fungi if known)
- Describe observable characteristics used for classification (e.g. plants make own food, animals move and eat)
- Give examples of organisms in each group, including micro-organisms like bacteria
Assessment prompt
Can Classifying Organisms explain the big groups that scientists sort all living things into — like plants, animals, and tiny micro-organisms — and give examples of each?
Standards alignment
Y6.Sci.LTH.1GB · uk-nc-2013
Classify living things into broad groups
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2