A Biology Game To Promote Classification And Observation

Charles T. Buzek               Spry School
                               2400 S. Marshall
                               Chicago IL 60653
                               (312) 534-1700

Objectives:

   Students should learn to observe with an eye to noticing differences and 
salient characteristics.  Also students should be able to communicate these 
observations in a brief manner. 

Materials needed:

   A wide selection of specimens from the lab's collection were used but in 
ordinary classroom situations any found objects would be useful. 
   Enough 3 by 5 cards for the class.

Strategy:

   Each student is to have a specimen jar in front of them at start of class 
with a 3 by 5 card.  They examine the specimen very closely.  They are next 
asked to write down a careful description of the specimen on the card.  When 
this has been completed students will hand in their cards.  The instructor will 
mix up the cards and then pass them out to the class again.  The students will 
read the cards and then try to match them to the specimen. 

Performance assessment:

   For each individual student, performance can be measured by the success they 
have in matching their card to the appropriate specimen.  Overall class 
performance should not be less than 90%. 

Conclusions:

   Students will need to observe their specimen and very carefully note those 
characteristics which are significant and may not be confused with the other 
specimens.  Students that have difficulty matching their cards will learn what 
they would need to do in order to make their description clearer.  It will also 
be seen that a system for describing organisms needs to be succinct and less 
cumbersome.  Again, this is an exercise that points out the need to classify and 
how to go about it in a way that will enlighten rather than confuse.