Victorian Curriculum

Key Links For This Teacing Sequence


Biological Sciences Levels 7 & 8 (VCSSU091)

There are differences within and between groups of organisms; classification helps organise this diversity.


Links to other content descriptions:

Earth and space sciences - Sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks contain minerals and are formed by processes that occur within Earth over a variety of timescales. (VCSSU102). ACTIVITY 1

Questioning and predicting - Identify questions, problems and claims that can be investigated scientifically and make predictions based on scientific knowledge (VCSIS107). ACTIVITY 5


Activity 1

Stratigraphy Activity:

  • Stratigraphy can help us classify organisms.
  • Sedimentary rocks are formed from other rocks or organisms that form layers.
  • Rocks can be classified based on observable and chemical properties.
  • Stratigraphy can be used to determine the relative age of fossils and rocks.


Activity 2

Classification Activity:

  • Dichotomous keys help us to visualise the classification of organisms.
  • There are two types of dichotomous keys, branched and worded.
  • Dichotomous keys allow us to identify organisms in the natural world.
  • Organisms are identified based on their characteristics.


Activity 3

Taxonomy Activity:

  • Mnemonics can help us learn and recall taxonomic levels
  • Modelling the different taxonomic levels with organisms
  • Hierarchical systems are used to classify organisms


Activity 4

Ostracod Activity:

  • The Ostracod can help us understand Australian ocean currents (Rubber Ducky Model)
  • The Ostracod has varied speciation; and can be classified diversely within its genus
  • Classification is important in recognising differences between ancient and modern Ostracod (Making a fossil)


Activity 5

Socioscientific Issue - Climate change and the Ostracod Genera

  • The Ostracod faces many climates and natural disasters
  • Modelling oceanic changes over time
  • Write your own 'journey of an Ostracod' story