Class Demonstration
Materials:
Show the class our different materials. As a class observe the different materials over time. Take pictures or draw in science journals what everything looks like on a daily basis. After a week or so compare the growth and change of each item. Compare those that changed and those that
didn’t discuss how the things that changed are living and the rest are not living. As a class, come up with a list of characteristics for living and
nonliving things.
- Young sprout in a pot
- Caterpillar eggs
- Rock
- Pencil
- Moldy bread in a clear sealed container
- Paper clip
Show the class our different materials. As a class observe the different materials over time. Take pictures or draw in science journals what everything looks like on a daily basis. After a week or so compare the growth and change of each item. Compare those that changed and those that
didn’t discuss how the things that changed are living and the rest are not living. As a class, come up with a list of characteristics for living and
nonliving things.
Group Activity
Materials:
In small groups send the kids out to search for items to fill their bags. When they come back have them empty out their bags and sort them into 2 groups of living and nonliving. Discuss in their groups what makes something living and nonliving. Find the differences between the two groups. After they sorted their items have them identify characteristics of living things.
- Paper bags
- Safe outdoor place to investigate
In small groups send the kids out to search for items to fill their bags. When they come back have them empty out their bags and sort them into 2 groups of living and nonliving. Discuss in their groups what makes something living and nonliving. Find the differences between the two groups. After they sorted their items have them identify characteristics of living things.
Effective Questions to use
How do you know something is alive?
Do all living things change at the same pace?
Why do people live longer today then before?
Do all living things change at the same pace?
Why do people live longer today then before?