Science9-12+
Characteristics of Living Things Lab
By Sheri C.
This 3-page independent lesson for 9th graders explores the characteristics of living things. It includes a scenario for students to apply their understanding and test whether a newly discovered organism is alive, building critical thinking and scientific reasoning skills.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use as a 30-45 minute independent or small-group activity.
- Discussion question: What are the key characteristics that define life, and why is it important to have a consistent set of criteria?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Provide a checklist of the characteristics of living things for them to reference throughout the activity.
- Extension for advanced students: Have students research and present on borderline cases (e.g., viruses) and debate whether they meet the criteria for life.
- Estimated time: 30-45 minutes.
Science9-12+
Characteristics of Living Things Lab
By Sheri C.
This 3-page independent lesson for 9th graders explores the characteristics of living things. It includes a scenario for students to apply their understanding and test whether a newly discovered organism is alive, building critical thinking and scientific reasoning skills.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use as a 30-45 minute independent or small-group activity.
- Discussion question: What are the key characteristics that define life, and why is it important to have a consistent set of criteria?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Provide a checklist of the characteristics of living things for them to reference throughout the activity.
- Extension for advanced students: Have students research and present on borderline cases (e.g., viruses) and debate whether they meet the criteria for life.
- Estimated time: 30-45 minutes.