Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to identify and describe the basic characteristics of living things, such as plants and animals, and understand what makes them different from non-living things.

Materials and Prep

• No specific materials needed, just a curious mind!
• Be prepared to explore the outdoors or look around the house for examples of living and non-living things.

Activities

• Living vs. Non-Living Scavenger Hunt:

  Go outside or around the house and look for examples of living and non-living things. For example, find a flower (living) and a rock (non-living). Talk about what makes each one different.

• Nature Walk:

  Take a short walk in your yard or a nearby park. Observe the plants and animals you see. Ask questions like "Is this a living thing? What do you think it needs to stay alive?"

• Draw and Color:

  After your scavenger hunt, draw a picture of your favorite living thing you found. It could be a flower, a bug, or even a pet. Talk about why you chose it.

Talking Points

• "What do you think makes something alive? Does it move, grow, or need food?"
• "Can you name some living things we see outside? How about some non-living things?"
• "Why do you think plants are living things? What do they need to grow?"
• "What about animals? What do they need to stay alive? Can you think of some animals?"