Science · Stage 4
Classification Keys
Ask one yes/no question at a time and a key sorts any living thing into its group.
✦ Science📘 Stage 4 · S4⏱ ~10 min🧒 Ages 8–9★ Free to start
classify living things with a key and justify each grouping with evidence.
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Kavi Plays the Key Game
Kavi spreads out animal cards 🦅🐈🐟🐜 and grins. "I don't have to just guess! A classification key asks me one yes/no question at a time about what I can see. Has feathers? 🪶 Yes → it's a bird! Each answer sends me down one branch until I reach the group. Come on — let's name every animal with the key!"
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What your child will learn
1Feature clues a key usesA key only asks about features you can SEE. Tap each clue to learn which group it points to.
2First branch: has feathers?The first question in our key is "Has feathers?" Sort each animal into Yes or No — that is one branch of the key.
3Which group does the key reach?Read the feature the key found, then predict the group. Tap to check! Tap Next test for more.
4How you walk down a keyA key works one step at a time, not all at once. Tap each step to see how you reach the answer.
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A peek inside
A robin is covered in feathers 🪶. Which group does the key put it in, and how do you know?
The key asks "Has feathers?" Yes — and only birds have feathers.
Try this at home: What kind of questions does a classification key ask?
Ready to play and learn?
Start the free interactive lesson, or print the handout for screen-free play.
Part of Science · Stage 4 · S4 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.