C Curriculum Explorer
Science·Ecosystems & Habitats·procedural

Evidence-Based Classification

Give reasons for classifying plants and animals based on specific characteristics, using evidence to justify classification decisions

Suggested ages 10–11

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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

  • Classify an unfamiliar organism using specific observable characteristics with reasoning
  • Compare two similar organisms and explain which characteristics distinguish their classification
  • Justify a classification decision using at least two pieces of evidence from observation

Assessment prompt

If Evidence-Based Classification finds an unusual creature, can they explain step by step how they'd work out what group it belongs to based on its features?

Standards alignment

Y6.Sci.LTH.2GB · uk-nc-2013

Give reasons for classifying plants and animals

The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2