Sorting and Identifying Minibeasts

Question 1

A child uses this simple key to identify a minibeast: 1. Does it have legs? – Yes 2. How many legs? – 6 3. Does it have wings? – Yes 4. Does it have a hard shell? – Yes Which minibeast is it?

Accepted Answer

Beetle

Answer

Spider

Answer

Worm

Answer

Butterfly

Question 2

Which yes/no question would correctly separate insects from spiders?

Accepted Answer

Does it have six legs?

Answer

Does it have wings?

Answer

Does it have more than four legs?

Answer

Does it have a hard shell?

Question 3

Why is it helpful to ask the questions in a set order when you are trying to identify a minibeast you have never seen before?

Accepted Answer

It narrows down the possibilities step by step, so you end up with only one kind that fits.

Answer

It makes the minibeast change its shape so it is easier to see.

Answer

It lets you skip asking about the number of legs.

Answer

It makes the key longer and more confusing.

Try three questions

A child uses this simple key to identify a minibeast: 1. Does it have legs? – Yes 2. How many legs? – 6 3. Does it have wings? – Yes 4. Does it have a hard shell? – Yes Which minibeast is it?

Which yes/no question would correctly separate insects from spiders?

Why is it helpful to ask the questions in a set order when you are trying to identify a minibeast you have never seen before?

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