This Science video introduces teachers to using and creating classification keys to sort organisms based on similarities and differences. It explains how branching keys use a series of yes/no questions to guide users towards identifying an organism, and demonstrates the process with a worked example of sorting vertebrates. Pupils are shown how to follow a key accurately and how to create their own by thinking of questions that divide groups into two smaller groups at each step. The video also explores numbered keys, which use statements and reference numbers to achieve the same outcome.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Science – grouping. Living things and their habitats videos. It supports teachers in modelling the use of both branching and numbered keys, giving pupils the tools to classify living things with accuracy. By breaking the process into manageable steps, the video ensures teachers feel confident guiding pupils in both using and designing keys, developing their scientific observation and classification skills.

Science, Upper key stage 2, Year 6, Living things: Classifying big and small, Lesson 2: Cold-blooded vertebrates