Classification: The Diversity of Life on Earth
Learn how scientists classify living things.
In this biological science curriculum-aligned excursion, students in Years 7 and 8 explore the rich biodiversity of life on Earth through digital and in-exhibition immersive ecosystems.
Guided by a learning facilitator, they utilise and create various dichotomous keys to identify and group living organisms and consider the interconnections of living things.
Students will experience
- Being immersed in the diverse ecosystems of Victoria in the 270 degree digital Learning Lab.
- Facilitated exploration of Our Wondrous Planet exhibition with a museum educator.
- Exploring the rich biodiversity of life across planet Earth.
- Using classification keys to identify, group and differentiate different living things.
- Access to museum collection biological specimens.
Students will learn
- Why and how living things are classified.
- About the structure and purpose of dichotomous keys.
- Contemporary tools scientists use to identify, classify and conserve living things such as genetics, cell storage and microscopy.
Students will be provided
- In-exhibition tool to support curriculum-focused exploration of Our Wonderous Planet.
Availability
Terms 1–4, Monday to Friday
Duration: 90 minutes
Student information
Years 7 to 8
Minimum 15 students
Maximum 30 students
Bookings
$17 per student + education service fee
Call 13 11 02 or submit an online booking request
Workshop
Presented by a museum educator
Victorian Curriculum Links
Science: Levels 7 and 8
Biological sciences
- there are similarities and differences within and between groups of organisms living on Earth; the development and use of classification tools, including dichotomous keys, help order and organise human understanding of the diversity of life (VC2S8U01)
Accessibility
Please view our accessibility page for general information. A sensory map of Melbourne Museum can be found on our Visual Stories page where step-by-step visual and written access guides are available. Contact our team on 13 11 02 or email us at schools@museum.vic.gov.au to discuss how we can support your visit.
Museums Victoria Learning Access Fund
The Museums Victoria Learning Access Fund aims to enhance access to our museums (Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks and Immigration Museum), programs and events by offering free or subsidised education programs for eligible schools. Find out more about the fund.
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