demonstrations:picture_wall_of_the_kingdoms
Picture Wall of the Kingdoms
Materials: ★☆☆ Easy to get from supermarket or hardware store
Difficulty: ★☆☆ Can be easily done by most teenagers
Safety: ★☆☆ Minimal safety procedures required
Categories: Classification, Ecology and Ecosystems
Alternative titles: Exploring Biodiversity Through Photography
Summary
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.
Procedure
- Brainstorm locations where examples of the kingdoms might be found in your environment.
- Decide which kingdoms you will be able to photograph yourself, and which may require printed or online images.
- 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.
- Assign classmates to take photographs of living things around the school, garden, or at home that represent each kingdom.
- Collect and print photographs for each kingdom. Attach the images to the wall below their corresponding name card using sticky-tape or Blu Tack.
- Sort the photographs within the plant and animal kingdoms into smaller groups (e.g., flowering and non-flowering plants; mammals, birds, reptiles, etc.).
- Optionally, add brief classification notes or fun facts to the back or below each photo to describe the organism and its kingdom.
Links
- None
Variations
- 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).
Safety Precautions
- 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).
Questions to Consider
- 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?
