Reading Cladograms
Read and create simple cladograms (branching diagrams) that show how groups of dinosaurs are related based on shared features, understanding that species sharing more features are more closely related
Lesson
Set out your lesson
Trace common ancestors on a branching tree and add a hypothetical species using a stated shared-feature model.
Before teaching
Use this short check, then start teaching.
Compare two dinosaur groups and say what a shared feature is. Revisit the dinosaur-classification prerequisite if necessary.
Pause and explicitly teach or revisit the named hard prerequisite; do not treat its allocation or authored status as learner readiness.
Share and support
Family records and proof options
Keep a record of your learning
Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.
Learning resources
Extra practice links — they do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.
PhET Interactive Simulations · Practice link — not the full lesson
Natural Selection
Before you open · source notes
Natural Selection supports hands-on exploration for Reading Cladograms. Not every lab worksheet.
Free interactive page, no sign-in required for the tested path.
Before you openAsk the learner what they changed in the sim or page and what they observed.
Opening this link does not save learning or assess mastery.
Source, access and review notes
Public PhET Interactive Simulations page. An anonymous GET on 2026-11-12 returned HTTP 200 with no login or payment prompt for this URL. Opening the link does not save practice or assess mastery. An adult should preview and guide the learner.
PhET Interactive Simulations. “Natural Selection.” External page; Gakuva does not copy, host, embed, or redistribute materials.
Unknown — link only
Check understanding
- Explain that a cladogram shows evolutionary relationships based on shared features
- Read a simple cladogram to identify which two dinosaurs share the most recent common ancestor
- Add a new species to a partially completed cladogram based on its listed features
“If your child saw a branching tree diagram showing dinosaur relationships, could they explain which dinosaurs are most closely related by looking at where the branches split?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Representational
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Dinosaurs & Paleontology
- Age range
- Ages 9–11