Make animal classification cards. Cut pictures of animals from magazines and glue them onto index cards. Write each animal's classification on its card. Create a sheet of questions for students that will help them identify the classification of an animal. Use questions such as "Am I a vertebrate?" and "Do I live on land?" Choose one of the animal cards and let students take turns asking yes or no questions based on their question sheet.
Make 10 pairs of cards with animals that vary from omnivore, carnivore, herbivore, mammal and bird by gluing pictures on the cards. Label each card, identifying the classification of each animal. Mix the cards and lay them out, placing them upside down and in rows. Two children will take turns. One at a time, each child will turn over two cards. If the the cards match, the child keeps them. If they don't match, the cards are returned to their original location and the second child takes a turn.
Divide the class into groups. The teacher chooses animals that are mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds or fish. An animal is assigned to each group that puts together a presentation on poster board. Groups should include a picture of the animal and list its kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus and species. Once the work is completed, groups give a presentation of their poster to the class.
After students have studied animal classification in the classroom, hone their skills with a trip to the zoo. Because animals are grouped with similar species, they encounter a variety of creatures with similar characteristics. Many zoos offer educational programs that use live animals to reinforce lessons the students are taught before their zoo tour.