Animals and Classification Take Home Test

Science Take-Home Pretest

Animals & Classification

This is a take home test for one of our classification units, this one focusing on zoology and comparative anatomy. This test is designed to accomplish two goals. First, and most important, is the chance for you to monitor and evaluate the progress that you see in your student. Second is the opportunity to discover what your student is doing and learning at school. I will use your evaluation as part of the grade for this pre-test and greatly appreciate the time that you will be taking for this activity.

There are several questions that your student needs to answer. Students are allowed to use any notes that they have written. Typed material that was handed out in class may not be used. I do not expect you to know all of the answers – just listen and base your score on how well you feel that they knew the information. You only need to use your best judgement.

Grade each question and record the score to the left of the question. The score will be based on eight questions. Only two questions can be skipped. The scoring is as follows:

A Fully explains the answer with little need for notes, except for diagrams or samples.

B Can explain the answer but may have some points where notes have to be read before continuing the explanation.

C Can explain the answer but needs extensive use of notes. Some parts of the answer may not be clear, but, overall, the answer seems to make sense.

D Can explain only part of the answer with the use of notes.

Score Question

_____ 1. Create a dichotomous key with 10 objects from your house..

_____ 2. List and describe the four major characteristics that all animals share.

_____ 3. Explain how animal classification has changed over history.

_____ 4. Use an identification key to properly identify an item of your choosing.

_____ 5. Explain how different kinds of animals rely on each other for survival

(no predator / prey examples).

_____ 6. Discuss how / why dinosaurs could be related to birds and / or reptiles.

_____ 7. Explain the difference between vertebrate and invertebrate animals.

_____ 8. Create a chart listing three differences in the six types of invertebrates.

_____ 9. Describe all of the characteristics that makes an animal a mammal.

_____ 10. Pick one of the following and list 5 “defining” characteristics for it:

Amphibian Reptile Bird

This test must be completed by _________. If you wish to have another adult or teacher administer the test, sign in the appropriate place below. In the event that this test is not returned by _____________, your student will receive a zero (0) on this assignment

__________________ (student’s name) has completed this test with me.

__________________________________ Parent / Guardian

__________________________________ Other Adult (only if necessary)

__________________________________ Date