Y4 LF How can I use j2Data – Branch to classify items scientifically?

101 things to do with j2e – #10 Create a branching database in JIT

Teacher demo

We will use Branch, part of JIT to make branching keys.

• Log into j2e
• Go to “my files” then “shared files”.  Open River Animals
• Click “sort” then make up Yes/No questions to sort the animals.
• Adding more animals
  • When it tells you that your diagram is complete:
    • Play it to test it out
    • Add a new animal
      • Think of a new animal – you could use this website to help find new animals: A spotter’s guide to waterway wildlife 
      • Play the game and answer the questions
      • At the end say “no” then “yes” (you want to add it to the list)
      • Search using the world button and drag a picture into the box (use .png in your search to get a picture without a backgound)

• Woodland Animals
• Make sure you are in “advanced” mode
  • Click “sort” then make up Yes/No questions to sort the animals.
  • You could use this information sheet or fact sheets to help you or more detailed information from the Woodland Trust
  • Adding more animals
    • When it tells you that your diagram is complete:
      • Play it to test it out
      • Add a new animal
        • Think of a new animal and play the game and answer the questions
        • At the end say “no” then “yes” (you want to add it to the list)
        • Search using the world button and drag a picture into the box
• Birds of Prey 
  • Use the RSPB website to find a fact about each bird and enter it into the description box.
    • Buzzard
    • Red Kite
    • Kestrel
    • Barn Owl
  • Now make up Yes/No questions to classify the birds in a branching key.
  • Follow the instructions in the Woodland Animals above, to add more birds.
• What else apart from animals could you classify using Branch?

Greek Gods

Use the fact cards on your desk to

• find out about the Greek Gods
• use yes/no questions to split them into groups

Make a branching key in j2branch to sort the 12 Greek gods.

• Is a brancing key a good way to learn about the Greek Gods?  Why?  Why not?
• What would be a better way?