Living or Nonliving? How to Tell

One of the basic concepts in science is recognizing that all things can be classified as living or nonliving. In this lesson, your students will explore the characteristics of living and nonliving things with engaging hands-on activities.

Grade

Second Grade

Third Grade

Subject

Science

Life Science

View aligned standards

No standards associated with this content.

Learning Objectives

Students will use their knowledge of the characteristics of living and nonliving things to identify objects.

Introduction

(10 minutes)

Tell students that all objects or things on Earth can be classified as living, or alive, or nonliving, or not alive.
Ask students if they can determine if an object is living or nonliving.
Discuss and write down appropriate answers. Potential guiding questions include: Does the object breathe? Does it need food?