Distinguishing Between Living and Nonliving

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Subject Area

Science

Grade(s)

K

Overview

This hands-on resource guides students to differentiate between living and nonliving things and observe plant germination. By directly engaging with items and monitoring seed growth, students experience tangible biology concepts, enhancing understanding. The activity fosters observational skills, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry in a Kindergarten classroom.

Science (2015) Grade(s): KG

SC15.K.3

Distinguish between living and nonliving things and verify what living things need to survive (e.g., animals needing food, water, and air; plants needing nutrients, water, sunlight, and air).

UP:SC15.K.3

Vocabulary

  • Distinguish
  • Living
  • Nonliving
  • Verify
  • Need
  • Survive
  • Animals
  • Plants
  • Nutrients
  • Water
  • Sunlight
  • Air
  • Food

Knowledge

Students know:
  • All animals need food, water, and air in order to survive.
  • Animals obtain their food from plants and other animals.
  • Plants need water, light and air to survive.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Distinguish between living (including humans) and nonliving things.
  • Verify what living things, including plants and animals, need to survive.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Patterns in the natural world can be observed and used as evidence when distinguishing between living and nonliving things and determining the needs of living things.

Scientific and Engineering Practices

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Crosscutting Concepts

Patterns

CR Resource Type

Lesson/Unit Plan

Resource Provider

Home Works: Auburn University

License Type

Public Domain

Accessibility

Text Resources: Content is organized under headings and subheadings
Video resources: includes closed captioning or subtitles
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