How does classifying objects help scientists




















Why Classify? Humans like to bring order out of chaos. Most of us don't like to see a jumbled mess of clothes lying on the floor. We put socks in the sock drawn, shirts on hangers arranged by color or day of the week, words in alphabetical order, lists of task by order of priority, and pans in cupboards in strict order of size.

Nature can be messy, grass and weeds seem to grow everywhere, but humans like square, clean edges to their lawns. Faced with the problem of bringing order to chaos of diversity of species we see in nature, humans have long sort to find patterns within the seemingly random way in which one species relates to another species, and both of them relate to their relatives in the distant past. There has to be some pattern, we keep telling ourselves, like a neat sock draw, if only we could find it.

Unfortunately nature isn't listening and simply goes on in its own random way. However, despite many setbacks, human scientists still feel the need to try and organize species into meaningful arrangements that they hope will tell them something about their subjects, or reveal some new insights into where they came from.

Technical Services Org Chart. Science - 4th Grade Standard 5 Objective 3. Sets of animal cards are used to help students practice using a type of classification system.

Classification systems are used by scientists to help us understand the natural world. When objects are classified, they are simply put into a group with other similar objects. The classification systems used in biology are based on the similarities and differences in organisms. Without classification systems, scientists would have to talk about individuals and not groups.

When you think of all the different living organisms that can be found in Utah alone, you can realize how hard it would be to always refer to individuals. This activity helps students learn to use a simple classification key. Objects are checked against a set of criteria. For instance: has fur, does not have fur. Based upon the decision made, the organism is compared to a series of statements until the name of the organism is discovered.

This type of key is often used for plants and animals. Common Utah animals are used in this activity. The cards and the key for this activity are located in the web sites under the "materials section. Sort and sequence data according to a given criterion. Compare things Develop and use simple classification systems. Use observations to construct a reasonable explanation. Step 1. Working in small groups, spread the articles out on the tray.

Students are to observe the materials closely and discuss each item together quietly. Remind students that they are looking at each item individually. Step 2. After all the items have been discussed, the students are to place the materials into two groups. After all the items have been categorized, each group should write a short explanation of the basis of their classification scheme.

This should be kept secret. Step 3. Have all the groups trade trays. Select here to view links to the scientists and stories highlighted in this video. Classifying and identifying involves sorting objects or events into groups or categories.

Clear systems criteria must be developed and used. Keys are often used as criteria to carry out a classifying process, for example, when identifying and naming plants. If the criteria are changed, the groupings that result may be quite different and can lead to new scientific discoveries. For example, living things were initially divided into two kingdoms — plants and animals. When microorganisms were discovered and studied, changes were made to the classification system and the number of kingdoms.

A five-kingdom classification system is now commonly used but is by no means the only system that might be applied as students explore and make sense of diversity. Classification systems for stars and minerals use a different range of characteristics to distinguish and group specimens. Identification involves describing something in enough detail so that it could be recognised in a given context. Classifying is an investigative approach that involves sorting objects or events into groups or categories.

Classification and identification are important because they allow us to better understand relationships and connections between things.

They also help scientists to communicate clearly with each other. Classification systems use different characteristics to distinguish and group the world around us — such as DNA, the number of legs or the hardness of a material.



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