Classification of Living Things Complete Lesson Plan - MS

Everything you need for an engaging, ready-to-teach unit on classification is included in this comprehensive resource! Students will explore how scientists classify living organisms, focusing on how the broadest taxonomic classification divides life into the currently recognized Domains. With editable presentations, worksheets, student-choice projects, and assessments, this multiday lesson is both comprehensive and low-prep, giving you time to focus on student success.

Through differentiated, student-led learning, your middle schoolers will stay engaged while mastering essential concepts in biological organization.

Essential Question

• How is the broadest taxonomic classification of living organisms divided into currently recognized Domains?

Texas Teachers: This lesson aligns with the 2017 TEKS (not updated for the 2021 TEKS).

Why Teachers Love This Lesson

• Differentiated materials to support every learner

• Multimodal learning to engage all learning styles

• Maximum flexibility—works for both print and digital instruction

• Editable PowerPoints for easy customization

• Spanish translations of vocabulary, a reading passage, and interactive notebook pages

This lesson is built on the 5E Instructional Model (Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, Evaluation), providing a research-based framework for effective and meaningful instruction.

What’s Included

Engagement

• Objectives and Word Wall Cards (English & Spanish)

• Teacher guide with engaging discussion prompts, class activities, and common misconceptions

Exploration – Student-Led Station Lab
Nine differentiated stations introduce the classification of living organisms in multiple ways:

Input Stations

• Explore It! – Hands-on demo or experiment connects students with real-world examples

• Read It! – Differentiated passages (English & Spanish) with comprehension questions

• Research It! – Website-based tasks and guided analysis questions

• Watch It! – Short video and reflection prompts

Output Stations

• Organize It! – Printable or digital card sorts for practicing classification

• Write It! – Open-ended prompts for applying vocabulary in context

• Illustrate It! – Student-created diagrams and visuals to reinforce learning

• Assess It! – Task cards + vocabulary-in-context writing activity

Bonus Station – Challenge It!
Extension activities like crosswords, games, and mini-projects for early finishers or enrichment

Explanation

• Editable PowerPoints (standard & interactive versions)

• Interactive notebook templates (digital & print, English & Spanish)

• Guided note-taking templates

Elaboration

• Student-choice projects on classification to extend learning in class or at home

Evaluation

• STAAR 2.0–style assessments (standard & modified)

• Review worksheets for practice, class discussion, or homework

Flexible for Any Classroom

This resource is designed for both in-person and virtual learning. Station labs, presentations, and interactive notebooks are fully compatible with Google Slides and PowerPoint.

This is a finished product; it will be updated with formatting or corrections as needed. Future improvements and new features will be sold as a separate product.