Natural Sciences - Term 1 - Week 2

Living things are organisms that exhibit characteristics such as growth, reproduction, response to stimuli, and metabolism. Examples include animals, plants, and humans. Non-living things, on the other hand, do not possess these characteristics. They can be natural, like rocks and water, or man-made, like toys and buildings. Understanding the differences helps us categorize the world around us.

Let's look at some examples. A dog is a living thing because it can grow, eat, and reproduce. A chair is a non-living thing because it does not grow or respond to its environment. When we observe a tree, we can see it grows and produces leaves, confirming it is a living thing. In contrast, a book does not grow or change on its own, making it non-living.

In groups, discuss the characteristics that differentiate living things from non-living things. Each group will list at least three characteristics of living things and three examples of non-living things. After 10 minutes, each group will share their findings with the class. This will help reinforce the concepts and encourage collaborative learning.

Students will create a classification chart that includes at least five living things and five non-living things. For each item, they should write a brief description explaining why it is classified as living or non-living. This project will help solidify their understanding and allow them to express their ideas creatively.

• They can move on their own.
• They are made of rocks.
• They do not need food.
• They cannot reproduce.

Answer: They can move on their own.

Living things have the ability to move, grow, and reproduce, unlike non-living things.

• A cat
• A tree
• A river
• A book

Answer: A book

A book is a man-made object that does not exhibit the characteristics of life.

Answer: They grow.

All living things have the ability to grow and develop over time.

• A fish
• A flower
• A cloud
• A dog

Answer: A cloud

A cloud is a natural phenomenon but does not have the characteristics of living organisms.

Answer: A bird.

A bird is a living organism that can grow, reproduce, and respond to its environment.

• All non-living things can grow.
• Living things need water to survive.
• Non-living things can reproduce.
• All living things are plants.

Answer: Living things need water to survive.

Water is essential for the survival of most living organisms.

Answer: A rock does not grow, reproduce, or respond to stimuli.

Rocks lack the characteristics that define living organisms.