Ch 7: Classification of Organisms - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
About This Chapter
Who's it for?
This unit of our Middle School Life Science Homeschool course will benefit any student who is trying to learn about classification of organisms. There is no faster or easier way to learn about life science. Among those who would benefit are:
- Students who require an efficient, self-paced course of study to learn about fungi, the evolution of animals, human characteristics, taxonomy and the dichotomous key.
- Homeschool parents looking to spend less time preparing lessons and more time teaching.
- Homeschool parents who need a life science curriculum that appeals to multiple learning types (visual or auditory).
- Gifted students and students with learning differences.
How it works:
- Students watch a short, fun video lesson that covers a specific unit topic.
- Students and parents can refer to the video transcripts to reinforce learning.
- Short quizzes and a Classification of Organisms unit exam confirm understanding or identify any topics that require review.
Classification of Organisms Unit Objectives:
- Receive a definition of taxonomy.
- Understand the term 'dichotomous key' in identifying organisms.
- Explore the makeup of the prokaryote.
- Review large groups of microorganisms, such as protists.
- Discover the relationship between fungi and plants.
- Learn the history of animal evolution.
- Study the historical development of humans.

1. Taxonomy: Classification and Naming of Living Things
The name you give to a living thing may be completely different than the name someone else uses. In science, we use a common naming system for all living things to avoid confusion. This lesson will explore the basics of our classification system.

2. The Evolution of Prokaryotes: Archaebacteria and Eubacteria
The first living organisms on Earth were bacteria. These small organisms still exist today and are responsible for many things. In this lesson, we will explore both ancient bacteria and true bacteria.

3. The Evolution of Protists: Importance & Evolutionary History
Some organisms are very familiar. However, there are some that play vital roles in our lives that we don't even think about. We will look at a group of one of these unfamiliar kingdoms - protists.

4. The Evolution of Plants and Fungi: Characteristics & Evolutionary History
In early classification systems, plants and fungi were grouped together. While there are some similarities between these two kingdoms, there are some key differences that we will explore.

5. The Evolution of Animals: Importance & Evolutionary History
The animal kingdom ranges from simple organisms like sponges to complex organisms like humans. We will look at some defining characteristics of animals as well as examples of both invertebrates and vertebrates.

6. The Evolution of Humans: Characteristics & Evolutionary History
Just like other organisms, humans have changed over time. We will look at the evolution of humans as well as connections with our primate relatives, including Old World and New World primates.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum course
- Introduction to Life Science - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- Characteristics & Chemicals of Life - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- The Parts of Cells - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- DNA Replication & Mutation - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- Cell Division & the Cell Cycle - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- How Living Organisms Get Energy - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- The Origin & History of Life On Earth - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- Genetics & Hereditary Traits - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- Genetic Engineering Basics - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- Natural Selection & Evolution in Life Science - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- Microbiology & Types of Microbes - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- Introduction to Ecosystems - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- Types of Ecosystems - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- Changing Ecosystems - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- Invertebrates - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- Animal Behavior & Communication - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- Mammal Reproduction & Development - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- The Cardiovascular System - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- The Blood Vessels - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- The Digestive System - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- The Urinary & Endocrine Systems - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- The Muscular System - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- The Skeletal System & Connective Tissue - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- Sight, Hearing & Other Senses - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- Health Issues & Concerns - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- Plant Biology & Structure - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- How Plants Grow & Reproduce - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- Environmental Concerns - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum
- Natural Resources - Middle School Life Science: Homeschool Curriculum