Classification and Taxonomy

Enhance your visit to Queensland Museum Tropics with our facilitated school program Classification and Taxonomy where students explore biological classification through hands-on shell investigation, using dichotomous keys to identify molluscs and apply understanding across phylum, classes and orders in museum galleries.

About the Program

Students investigate how scientists classify living things through a hands-on shell classification activity using real specimens. They learn that seashells are made by molluscs and explore key differences between major groups such as gastropods and bivalves, using dichotomous keys in written step-by-step and visual branching formats.

Following the facilitated session, students complete a self-led scavenger hunt in the Museum’s Level 2 Galleries, applying their understanding of classification across phylum, classes and orders.

Learning outcomes

Students will:

• investigate how scientists classify living things based on observable features and shared characteristics
• identify that seashells are made by molluscs and distinguish between major mollusc groups, including gastropods and bivalves
• use dichotomous keys in written and visual formats to identify specimens
• apply correct classification terminology, distinguishing between phylum, classes and orders
• record and organise observations using appropriate representations such as tables

Curriculum Links and Program Information

V9.0 Australian Curriculum links for the program