The Five Kingdoms

Subject Area: Science

Grade Level(s): 5-6

Duration of Activity: 3-5 days

Description of Activity:

The students will research the five kingdoms and in groups create a graphic organizer, giving examples of each of the five kingdoms. The students will create PowerPoint presentations that describe and give examples from each of the five kingdoms.

Objectives:

• The students will research the five kingdoms and in groups create graphic organizers, giving examples of each of the five kingdoms.
• The students will create PowerPoint presentations that describe and give examples from each of the five kingdoms.

Materials/Equipment:

• Personal computer (1 per group)
• PowerPoint software
• Microsoft Word software
• Handout 1: Five Kingdoms Research Handout
• Handout 2: Five Kingdoms Chart
• Handout 3: Five Kingdoms PowerPoint Assesment Rubric
• Handout 4: PowerPoint Directions

• Science textbook (optional)

Prerequisites (skills or background needed):

• Students need to be able to search the World Wide Web for specific information. They should understand the concept of classifying living things as a scientist would.

Procedure

Teacher Component:

1. The teacher will introduce a particular type of classification. Students will classify things that fit within that classification. (Example: writing instruments-pencil, pen, marker, chalk).

Student Activities:

The students will work in groups to create PowerPoint presentations. Groups will be divided into A, B, C, D, and E roles. Their duties are as follows:

1. Typist/research kingdom 1, Plant Kingdom
2. Typist/research kingdom 2, Animal Kingdom
3. Typist/research kingdom 3, Protist Kingdom
4. Typist/research kingdom 4, Fungi Kingdom
5. Typist/research kingdom 5, Moneran Kingdom

Accommodations:

• Students who have difficulty reading can have a peer-tutor to assist with research. A handout of the PowerPoint template could be used in place of the actual PowerPoint software for students not comfortable with using the computer.

Extension Activities:

• Have the groups create a database of facts. Each group can provide information for one kingdom, presenting what they have learned about that kingdom through their research.

Integration:

• Science and technology

Assessments:

1. Use a Handout 3: Five Kingdoms PowerPoint Assesment Rubric to assess the students' work.

URLs

• Natural Perspective
  http://www.perspective.com/nature/
  Informational reading: This site is great for the photos, although some of the information is not as accurate as that found in textbooks.
• Protist Image Data
  http://megasun.bch.umontreal.ca/protists/protists.html
  This site is very informative and has a neat downloadable movie about the five kingdoms.
• 5 Kingdoms of Life
  http://teachers.westport.k12.ct.us/resource/living_things.htm

Curriculum Frameworks

Mississippi:

Fifth Grade

1. Identify and describe structures and functions

5. Explore the diversity and adaptations of organisms
   1. Classify organisms by their similarities

Sixth Grade

1. Investigate structure and functions in living systems

National Educational Technology Standards (NETS):

5. Apply productivity/multimedia tools and peripherals to support personal productivity, group collaborations, and learning throughout the curriculum.

TerraNova:

21 Life Science (Level 11-21/22)
Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of life science. Apply life science knowledge to investigations and real-world contexts.

Through text, diagrams, and drawings, provide explanations of life science concepts and principles.

Link and Feedback to Author(s):

Pam Hightower, Houlka Attendance Center, Houlka, MS
phightower@chickasaw.k12.ms.us

Teresa Moore, Houlka Attendance Center, Houlka, MS
tmcculloch@chickasaw.k12.ms.us