Dichotomous Key Maker

1. First select a suitable platform

Select a platform to draw your dichotomous key. Creately’s dichotomous key maker offers an intuitive interface for drawing dichotomous keys online.

2. Assign groups

Divide the class into small groups. Assign each a specific group of organisms to build a dichotomous key.

3. Research and gather information

Guide each group to conduct a thorough research and gather information about the assigned organisms' physical characteristics, habitat, and other features. Show them how to list down the characteristics of the specimen they are trying to classify with the dichotomous key.

Create and assign folders and workspaces to each group in Creately. Provide necessary permissions to edit.

4. Organize the information

Organize the characteristics in order. Start with the most general characteristics before moving to the more specific ones. Identify the more obvious and less obvious contrasting characteristics among the specimen before creating your dichotomous key.

Use Creately’s powerful and customizable table function to list down characteristics. Highlight with configurable color themes to better analyze and understand.

5. Divide the specimens

Divide the specimens into two groups. The first differentiation should be made on the most general characteristic. Based on the next contrasting characteristics, divide the specimen further. Continue to subdivide the specimen by asking enough questions until your group has identified and named all of them.

6. Write the key

Guide each group on how to use the already organized information to create the key. Ensure that each statement in the key has two options and that each choice leads to a unique identification of the organism.

You can create a text-based dichotomous key or a graphical one where you can even use images of the specimen you are trying to identify. Easily drag and drop shapes to create the dichotomous key and use the notes panel of each element to include more information along with attachments and links. You can also import images or use the in-built Google search function to include graphics on the canvas.

7. Review and revise

Once created, share the key with other groups for feedback to improve. Use comments and discussion threads to exchange feedback on the shared canvas. Each group can share the workspaces via an email or link invite.

8. Test and present

Test the validity of your dichotomous key by using it to identify various organisms from the chosen group.

As the next step, the groups can present the finalized key to the class. Use frames inside the canvas to build presentations and report-like layouts for interactive lectures and to share information.