lesson
One collection, several groups
1 · Learn
We can group living things by shared features. Animals with backbones are vertebrates. Animals without backbones are invertebrates. This is one useful distinction, not the only possible grouping.
A bird and a butterfly both have wings, but only the bird has a backbone. Grouping by wings answers a different question from grouping by backbone.
2 · Worked example
I state the rule before sorting. If the rule is has wings, bird and butterfly can go together; if it is has a backbone, they separate.
3 · Your turn
Would 'has wings' alone distinguish every bird from every insect? Explain using the examples.
Check your answer
No. The bird and butterfly both have wings. You need other features to distinguish their groups.
4 · Apply your learning
Sort accurate adult-selected animal photographs by two different stated rules. Record which animals move between groups.
Adult guidance and safety
Observe wildlife without handling or disturbing it. Use reliable identification images, not decorative icons.
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My observation notebook
With an adult, look at a safe real example or a checked photograph. Name the example and say which you used. Record what you actually notice. Do not taste plants or materials, approach unknown animals or invent missing observations.
Ask your teacher for support with the method and recording. A prediction is what you think might happen; an observation is what you actually see, hear or feel safely.
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Year 4 Science learning routine
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