Picture Wall of the Kingdoms

In this activity, students create a picture wall that represents the kingdoms of living organisms. By collecting and organizing photographs, students explore biodiversity and understand how organisms are grouped based on shared characteristics.

1. Brainstorm locations where examples of the kingdoms might be found in your environment.
2. Decide which kingdoms you will be able to photograph yourself, and which may require printed or online images.
3. Create a large display space (such as a classroom wall or poster board) and prepare a name card for each kingdom using cardboard and a marker pen. Attach these to the display area.
4. Assign classmates to take photographs of living things around the school, garden, or at home that represent each kingdom.
5. Collect and print photographs for each kingdom. Attach the images to the wall below their corresponding name card using sticky-tape or Blu Tack.
6. Sort the photographs within the plant and animal kingdoms into smaller groups (e.g., flowering and non-flowering plants; mammals, birds, reptiles, etc.).
7. Optionally, add brief classification notes or fun facts to the back or below each photo to describe the organism and its kingdom.

• None

• Create a digital version of the kingdom wall using a slideshow or online gallery.
• Add labels showing the scientific names of the photographed organisms.
• Include examples of microorganisms by using microscope images or sourced pictures.
• Expand the display to include the three-domain system (Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya).

• Ask permission before photographing in public or private spaces.
• Do not touch unknown fungi, insects, or plants.
• Avoid disturbing wildlife while taking photographs.
• Ensure safe use of digital devices near outdoor environments (e.g., water, uneven ground).

• Which kingdoms were easiest or hardest to find and photograph?
• What characteristics helped you decide which kingdom each organism belonged to?
• How are the kingdoms different in terms of cell structure, nutrition, and organization?
• Why do scientists use classification systems to group organisms?
• What does this activity reveal about the diversity of life in your local area?