Cladograms Lab: Candy Cladograms with Editable Choice Lab

This editable cladograms lab includes two hands-on versions to help students practice cladistics in a clear, visual way. Students complete a candy cladograms lab and a student/teacher choice cladograms activity as they compare traits, complete trait tables, and build simple branching diagrams.

In this cladograms activity, students practice using shared characteristics to model possible relationships. The candy version is ready to use, while the editable choice version gives you flexibility to use classroom objects, school supplies, or other teacher-selected items.

A student-friendly cladograms presentation and one-page notes sheet are also included to model how to set up a trait table, build a cladogram, and check the finished diagram.

This Cladograms Lab Activity includes:

• • • Teacher Guide: A 1-page teacher guide with a resource overview, suggested use for the included presentation and notes, materials list, pacing suggestions, teacher notes, and tips for running the candy and flexible cladograms labs smoothly.

• • • Cladograms Presentation and Notes: A 13-slide cladograms presentation is included to introduce what cladograms are, how they are used, how to set up a trait table, and how to build a simple cladogram. The presentation includes scaffolded examples to help students move from comparing traits to creating a branching diagram. A 1-page student notes sheet is also included so students can follow along during the presentation and use it as a quick reference during the lab.

• • • Candy Cladograms Lab Handout: An editable 2-page lab where students use candy traits to complete a trait table, build a candy cladogram, and answer analysis questions. The included version is set up for a Dum Dum lollipop, Starburst, peppermint hard candy, and Jolly Rancher, but teachers can easily edit the candies to fit what they have available.

• • • Student/Teacher Choice Cladograms Lab Handout: An editable 2-page lab where teachers or students choose four classroom items to compare. Students identify traits, complete a trait table, build a cladogram, and answer analysis questions about their model. Great for using school supplies, classroom objects, or any teacher-provided items.

• • • Flexible Versions: Editable (PPT), printable (PDF), and Google Slides versions are included along with answer keys.

Perfect for giving students a visual, hands-on way to practice cladistics, trait tables, and cladogram construction!

By the end of this cladograms lab, students will have compared shared traits, completed a trait table, built a simple cladogram, and explained how characteristics can be used to model possible relationships.

Why teachers love this Cladograms Lab:

• • • Simple setup: Use the ready-to-go candy cladograms version or choose any four classroom-safe items for the flexible version.
    • Highly visual learning: Students move from traits to trait tables to branching diagrams, making cladograms easier to understand.
    • Presentation and notes included: The included presentation models how to set up a trait table and build a cladogram, while the student notes page gives learners a helpful reference during the lab.
    • Flexible and editable: Both lab versions are editable, so teachers can use the candies, classroom objects, or other items that work best for their students.
    • Higher-level thinking included: Students analyze their cladograms, explain relatedness using evidence, and reflect on why candy and classroom items are only models of real evolutionary relationships.

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