K-6 Science for the Next Generation

Lesson Plans
What Are Living Things?

Learning Objectives

  • Identify and classify objects in the environment as living or non-living.
  • Understand the basic needs of living things, such as food, water, and air.
  • Recognize that plants, animals, and people are living things.

Introduction and Hook

Begin the lesson by asking students to look out of a window and identify what they see. Discuss which of these things are living and which are non-living, introducing the terms 'living things' and 'non-living things'.

Go to the Lesson

Direct Instruction

Explain the characteristics of living things, such as needing food, water, and air, and the ability to grow and reproduce. Use examples of plants, animals, and humans.

Introduce the video 'What Are Living and Non-living Things?' to visually demonstrate the differences between living and non-living things.

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Guided Exploration

Engage students with the video 'Living and Non-living Things – Can you tell the difference?' to reinforce understanding through interactive elements.

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Discuss with students the basic needs of living things and how they differ from non-living things, encouraging them to identify examples in their environment.

Hands-On Activity

Have students classify objects around the classroom or home into living and non-living categories. Use a chart to record their observations.

Introduce the assessment 'What Are Living Things?' to help students practice identifying and classifying living and non-living things.

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Independent Practice

Assign the worksheet 'Do Plants Need Water?' for students to explore the importance of water for living things through observation and recording.

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Check for Understanding

Use the assessment 'Needs of Living Things' to evaluate students' understanding of the basic needs of living organisms.

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Review and Reflection

Have a class discussion to review what students have learned about living and non-living things. Encourage them to share examples and reflect on the characteristics of living things.

Assessment and Extension

Administer the 'Review – Living and Non-living Things' assessment to consolidate learning and ensure comprehension of key concepts.

Try the Quiz
Assessment thumbnail

Encourage students to explore further by observing living and non-living things in different environments, such as parks or gardens, and discussing their findings.

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