Classification of Living Things - Student Choice Projects - MS

Make your life science unit come alive with student-led projects on classification! This engaging resource allows middle school students to choose from nine project options plus a “design your own” pathway, giving them the flexibility to demonstrate their understanding of classification systems and scientific organization in creative, personalized ways.

Whether students choose to write, illustrate, present, model, or design digitally, these projects help them apply what they’ve learned about how scientists classify organisms. The included editable rubric makes grading simple and can be used by teachers, peers, or students for self-assessment.

What’s Included

• Student Choice Board with 9 project options + 1 open-ended “design your own”

• Teacher Directions Page with tips and implementation ideas

• Editable Rubric assessing vocabulary, concepts, accuracy, clarity, and presentation

Differentiation Made Simple

• Two versions of the project page:

  • Modified version with scaffolded projects for students who need extra support

  • Full version with all nine options for general use

• For advanced learners, assign a combination of projects while using the same rubric for consistency

Supplies Needed

Projects are designed for use with common classroom supplies such as paper, markers, and scissors. Many can also be completed digitally, and simple craft materials can be used for model-building or creative presentations.

Flexible. Engaging. Student-Led.
These Student Choice Projects make differentiation easy while giving students ownership of their learning about classification and how scientists organize living things based on shared characteristics.