Characteristics Of Living Things

Topic: Characteristics of living things

Objectives:

1. Students will be able to identify and describe the characteristics of living things.

2. Students will be able to differentiate between living and non-living things based on their characteristics.

National Standards:

• NGSS 5-LS1-1: Support an argument that plants get the materials they need for growth chiefly from air and water.
• NGSS 5-LS1-1: Develop a model showing that matter is cycled among plants, animals, and the environment.

Materials:

• Whiteboard and markers
• Chart paper
• Pictures of living and non-living things
• Project-based materials for independent practice

Warm-up:

Ask students: "What do you think makes something living? What are some characteristics that all living things share?"

Direct Instruction:

1. Begin by discussing the characteristics of living things: growth, reproduction, responding to stimuli, need for energy, cells, and adaptation.

2. Use pictures to demonstrate examples of living and non-living things and ask students to identify the characteristics that classify them as such.

Guided Practice:

1. Divide students into small groups and give each group a set of pictures of living and non-living things.

2. Ask students to sort the pictures into two categories, based on the characteristics discussed in the direct instruction.

3. Have each group present their sorting and explain why they classified each picture as living or non-living.

Independent Practice:

1. Have students work individually or in pairs to create a project that demonstrates the characteristics of living things. This could be a poster, diorama, or presentation.

2. Encourage students to showcase their understanding of the topic through their project.

Closure:

To conclude the lesson, have students reflect on what they have learned by asking them to discuss in pairs or small groups: "How do the characteristics we discussed today help us to differentiate between living and non-living things?"

Assessment:

Assess students based on their participation in class discussions, completion of the guided practice activity, and the quality of their independent project.

Differentiation for students with special needs:

• Provide visual aids, such as diagrams or pictures, to help support understanding.
• Offer alternative ways for students to demonstrate their understanding of the characteristics of living things, such as through verbal explanations or drawing.
• Allow for extra time for students with special needs to complete tasks and provide additional support as needed.