What's in a Name? Introduction to Scientific Classification Ages 8-11

Taxonomy is the science and process of classifying and naming organisms.  The course will  integrate the use of natural history specimens and includes 2 modules. 

Module I:  What's in a Name? 
1. Defining binomial nomenclature. 
2. An introduction to the history of scientific classification as developed by Carolus Linneaus.
3. Why do scientists use Latin? 
4.  How do scientists name life? Taking a look at some examples of interesting common and scientific names. 
5.  Create common names based on observations of natural history specimens.
 Homework :
Create a scientific name for a new species based on provided Latin words. 
Upload  your name and picture of your  new species before the next class.

Module II: Fun with Latin Words
1.  Play the Name Game! Can you match the drawings with the correct Latin names?
2. The importance of  taxonomy and conservation. We don't know what we're losing without knowing what we have! 
3.   QUIZ-What did you learn? 

BYO Collection!  Students who are collectors will be encouraged to share their own natural history collections in the last class.