======Candy Classification======


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**Safety: **{{$demo.safety_description}}\\
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**Alternative titles:** Dichotomous Key with Candy
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Gather at least 7 different types of candy.  
  - Place all candies on a flat surface and observe their characteristics (e.g., size, color, texture, wrapper type).  
  - Divide the candies into 2 broad groups based on one shared trait.  
  - Continue splitting each group into smaller groups using new traits.  
  - Record your steps on paper, forming a dichotomous key that eventually identifies each type of candy.  
  - Test your key by asking another person to classify a piece of candy using your guide.



====Links==== 
The Taxonomy of Candy - thebrainscoop: 
{{youtube>t3amU3RrX9g?}}\\


📄🎞️ Classification of Living Things Activity for Kids - Generation Genius: [[https://www.generationgenius.com/activities/classification-of-living-things-activity-for-kids/]]\\

====Variations====
  * Use other everyday objects such as leaves, toys, or school supplies instead of candy.  
  * Compare how different groups of students classify the same set of items.  
  * Extend the activity to living organisms (e.g., pictures of animals or plants) to connect to biology.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Avoid sharing candy if used for eating to prevent spreading germs.  
  * Check for food allergies before allowing students to handle or eat candy.  
  * Ensure small candies are kept away from very young children (choking hazard).




====Questions to Consider====
  * How is classifying candy similar to how scientists classify living things? (both use shared traits and sorting steps to identify items)  
  * What traits were most useful in creating your candy groups? (e.g., hard vs. soft, wrapped vs. unwrapped)  
  * What challenges did you face when creating your classification key? (some items share traits and could fit in more than one group)  
  * How could you make your dichotomous key clearer for others to use? (use yes/no questions and consistent observable traits)