Mr. Diviacchi - Scientific Classification: March 2010

Introduction

Welcome to Mr. Diviacchi's classification blog. This blog will be used in conjunction with the current unit discussing scientific classification. At the bottom of the blog page you will find brief definitions on each of the categories (taxa) of scientific classifications seen in the unit. There are also a couple of example classifications for living organisms. One you should already know, homo sapiens, but the other may not be so familiar. Take a look in the lower right column at the blobfish and then feel free to feed the Carassius auratus at the bottom of the page!

Instructions

Students are required to sign in and post comments on three blog assignemtns for this unit analyzing scientific classification.

Blog Assignment 1 - KPCOFGS mnemonic
For assignment 1 develop a mnemonic for memorizing the scientific classification levels, or taxa. Remember the Classification Rap viedo that was shown in class, the link to the video is under the Relevant Links section. Please add your own, unique mnemonic as a comment to this post.

Blog Assignment 2 - provide information on a Kingdom of choice (not Animalia)
Each group was assigned one of the six living organism Kingdoms during class. The student will research and add a comment to the post for classmates to view. The student may pick any Kingdom besides Animalia and answer the following:
-Cell Type:
-Cellular Organization:
-Nutrition method:
-Three Example Organisms using binomial nomenclature. Be sure to descirbe the similarities of these organisms within this kingdom. These comments will be used in a tertiary assignment.
*Note- see teacher example using Kingdom Animalia as the first post

Blog Assignment 3 - peer analysis
Each student is to choose 2 more students and write a brief passage, 2-4 sentences, describing the relationship and similaritites of one of your organisms to a classmates. You will choose one organism from a student with the same Kingdom and then choose one organism from a student with a different Kingdom.

Blog Objective - Cladogram

This blog will enhance the learning of scientific classification from the first assignment to the last. After the third assignment is completed the teacher and students will develop a cladogram. The teacher will review the organisms researched by the students and prepare them for class discussion. Students will analyze the different features of the organisms they researched and form them into clades. The teacher will diagram the clades at the front of the class with students making their class cladogram.

15 March, 2010

Rubric - Classification Blog

Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar
4- One or fewer errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar in the report.
3- Two or three errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar in the report.
2- Four errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar in the report.
1- More than 4 errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar in the report.

Participation
4- Logged in and completed all three of the assignments.
3- Logged in and completed two of the assignments.
2- Logged in and completed one assignment.
1- Participation was minimal OR student did not log in.

Research
4- Mnemonic is written and second assignment is researched and completed with adequate information.
3- Mnemonic is written and second assignment is researched, but incorrect or incomplete information provided.
2- Mnemonic is written but no research for second assignment.
1- No summary is written for first and second assignment.

Analysis
4- The student picks his/her organisms and the two classmate organisms and analyzes the relationship between the kingdoms.
3- The student picks his/her organisms and the two classmate organisms and mentions the relationship between the kingdoms.
2- The student picks his/her organisms and the two classmate organisms but does nothing more.
1- The relationship between the student's chosen organism and two classmate's organisms is not discussed.