Classifying Living and Non-living Objects

Designed by: Sallie Jameson     School: Meadowfield Elementary

Grade Level: Kindergarten     Subject: Science

State Standards: Organisms demonstrate characteristic properties that determine how they function and adapt to their environment. 

A. Construct classification schemes for non-living and living things, according to teacher or student developed criteria. 

B. Determine the basic needs and functions of living things. * The student will investigate and understand basic needs and life processes of plants and animals. Key concepts include: * Living things change as they grow and need food, water, and air to survive 

Core Curriculum:  Observe and describe what animals need to live.  (KSLS-4)

Overview: The teacher will gather a variety of live plants, some examples of non- plants, and a live insect to show the class. The students will identify which items are living and which items are non-living, by observing characteristics and needs of each object. The students will sort items into two categories: "Living" and "Non- living". To understand the concept of living and non-living, the students will find two pictures that represent living and non-living and glue the pictures on a collage.

Essential Question(s): What are living things? What are nonliving things? Can you find some living and nonliving things? What do living things need to grow?

Time Frame: One lesson, 20 minutes

Resources/Materials: A variety of live plants such as flowering plant, an herb, a plant from a cutting etc. Non- plant items such as a book, block, pencil etc. One live insect in a clear container Two signs: "Living" and "Non-living" Large piece of butcher paper, half labeled "Living" and the other half labeled "Non-living" Magazines (one for each student) Scissors Glue Extra: Lesson Plan on web ajkids.com (type in TouchnFeel Box, introduction to study of living and non-living plants)

Culminating Assessment: Rubric:

Students will name three needs (food, water, and air) for living things to grow. Proficient Students cannot name three needs (food, water, and air) for living things to grow. Needs Improvement

Instructional Activities:

l. Display all the plants and non -plants on a table in front of the students. 

2. Have the students identify each item. 

3. Brainstorm with students to state what living things need to grow (write answers on chart paper) 

4. Point to each item and discuss its need to grow. 

5. The student will classify the item by placing it under the appropriate sign (Living or Non-living) 

6. Point to the insect. Is the insect living or non-living? Discuss the reasons. How is it different and/or alike from the other things that are living. 

7. Using a large piece of butcher paper, label one half "Living" and the other half "Non-living" and a magazine. Model for the students how to find a picture in the magazine of a living "thing" and a nonliving "thing" and cut it out. Glue the pictures on the appropriate side. 

8. Divide students in groups of three and give each child a magazine. 

9. Instruct the children to find pictures in magazines of examples of living things and non-living things. Glue the picture on the appropriate side. 

10. Walk around room encouraging students to find appropriate pictures. 

11. Display in the hall and science center for other kindergarten children.