Is It Living?
📖 Learn
Good scientists don't just say an answer. They explain WHY! Today we will practice explaining our thinking.
How to Explain Your Answer
Use this sentence pattern:
"The _____ is living/nonliving because _____."
Fill in the blank with a reason from our list:
- It grows / It does NOT grow
- It needs food and water / It does NOT need food and water
- It moves on its own / It does NOT move on its own
- It breathes / It does NOT breathe
Remember!
Living things: 🐕 🐈 🐦 🌳 🌷 🐟 🦋 🐝
Nonliving things: 🪨 🚗 📚 ⚽ 🧸 🪑
💡 Examples
Watch how we explain our thinking!
Example 1: Is a tree 🌳 living?
Answer with reason:
"The tree is living because it grows. Trees start as tiny seeds and grow very tall!"
Example 2: Is a car 🚗 living?
Answer with reason:
"The car is nonliving because it does NOT move on its own. A person has to drive it!"
Example 3: Is a butterfly 🦋 living?
Answer with reason:
"The butterfly is living because it needs food. Butterflies drink nectar from flowers!"
✏️ Practice
For each thing, say if it is living or nonliving AND give a reason why. Use the sentence pattern!
1. 🐕 Is a dog living or nonliving? Why?
Start with: "The dog is _____ because _____."
2. 📚 Is a book living or nonliving? Why?
Think: Does a book grow or need food?
3. 🌷 Is a flower living or nonliving? Why?
Think: What does a flower need to grow?
4. 🧸 Is a teddy bear living or nonliving? Why?
Think: Can a teddy bear breathe?
5. 🐟 Is a fish living or nonliving? Why?
Think: How does a fish move?
6. ⚽ Is a soccer ball living or nonliving? Why?
Think: Does a soccer ball eat or drink?
7. 🐈 Is a cat living or nonliving? Why?
Give TWO reasons if you can!
8. 🪑 Is a chair living or nonliving? Why?
Think: Does a chair grow bigger over time?
9. 🐝 Is a bee living or nonliving? Why?
Think: Bees fly from flower to flower. What does that tell you?
10. 🪨 Is a rock living or nonliving? Why?
Think: What can a rock NOT do?
✅ Check Your Understanding
Answer these questions using complete sentences with reasons!
1. Your friend says a teddy bear is living because it has eyes. Is your friend right? Explain why or why not.
2. Look at a plant in your house or outside. Give TWO reasons why it is living.
🚀 Next Steps
- Practice explaining your thinking when you answer questions
- Ask a family member to name something, then YOU explain if it is living or nonliving
- Get ready for the Unit Checkpoint to show what you have learned!