Key to micro-organisms

Key to micro-organisms

Auto-markingPencil and paperOnline interactive
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Working with Students
Further Resources
This task is about using an identification key.
classification key for micro organisms        labelled diagram of a cell wall, membrane and chloroplast
 
By using the names on the bottom line of the diagram, classify each of the following as they are viewed under a microscope [not drawn to scale]. Use the labelled diagram to help you answer the questions.

Question

a)  

cell option a

    • protozoa

    • bacteria

    • plant

    • fungi

    • animal

Question

b)  

cell option b

    • protozoa

    • bacteria

    • plant

    • fungi

    • animal

Question

c)  

cell option c

    • protozoa

    • bacteria

    • plant

    • fungi

    • animal

Question

d)  

cell option d

    • protozoa

    • bacteria

    • plant

    • fungi

    • animal

Question

e)  

cell option e

    • protozoa

    • bacteria

    • plant

    • fungi

    • animal

Question

f)  

cell option f

    • protozoa

    • bacteria

    • plant

    • fungi

    • animal

Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper or online (with auto marking displayed to students).
Level:
5
Curriculum info: 
Science, Communicating in science, Living World
Keywords: 
evolution, classification, micro-organisms, keys, classification keys
Description of task: 
Task: identify micro-organisms. Assessment focus: using an identification key
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Interpret representations
This resource provides opportunities to discuss the purposes of identification keys and how to read them.
 
Science capabilities: 
Interpret representations
Answers/responses: 
 

Y10 (08/1997)
a) Protozoa easy
b) Plant easy
c) Bacteria moderate
d) Protozoa difficult
e) Animal moderate
f) Bacteria difficult
Diagnostic and formative information: 
  Common error
a) Fungi was the most common wrong answer (55%).
c) Animals was a common wrong answer (45%).
d) Fungi (49%), bacteria (28%), and animals (18%) were the common wrong answers.
f) Fungi (77%), and animals (23%) were the only wrong answers given in the sample.