Unit 25: Life Cycles and Basic Biology

Day 3 of 30

Needs of living things

3-5Science

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Learning Objective

Students will be able to explore needs of living things.

Today's Lesson

In this lesson, we'll explore needs of living things. Scientific inquiry allows us to investigate and explain natural phenomena.

Living things, also called organisms, have special characteristics that make them alive. All living things: 1) Need food, water, and air, 2) Grow and change over time, 3) Reproduce (make more of their kind), 4) Respond to their environment, and 5) Get rid of wastes. Plants, animals, and even tiny bacteria are living things. Rocks, water, and toys are not living because they don't do these things.

As you work through today's material, pay attention to the examples and try to identify the patterns or strategies being used. This will help you apply these concepts to new problems.

Take notes on key points and make connections to what you've already learned in previous lessons.

Key Terms
Investigate

To examine systematically through observation and experiment

Evidence

Observable facts that support or refute a claim

Activities
Instructions
1. Read the background information on needs of living things. 2. Form a hypothesis before beginning. 3. Conduct the investigation following procedures. 4. Record observations and analyze results.
Materials Needed
  • Lab notebook
  • Investigation materials
  • Safety equipment if needed
Practice Problems
1

Name three things all living things need to survive.

Hint: Think about what you need every day.
2

Is a rock living or nonliving? Explain your answer.

Hint: Does it grow, breathe, or need food?
3

How is a plant different from an animal?

Hint: Think about how they get food.

Teaching Tip

For this age group: Balance direct instruction with collaborative activities. Allow students to explain their thinking and make connections to prior knowledge when exploring needs of living things.

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