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Life or Not?

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Lesson Plan

Life or Not?

Students will distinguish living from nonliving things by examining and sorting objects, then record examples on a class chart.

Understanding living vs nonliving builds foundational observational skills and scientific vocabulary, fostering curiosity about the natural world.

Audience

Kindergarten

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Hands-on sorting and group discussion to identify living vs nonliving.

Materials

Living vs Nonliving Anchor Chart, Living vs Nonliving Sorting Cards, Magnifying Glass, Assorted Classroom Objects (Toy Animal, Toy Car, Leaf, Rock), and Markers

Prep

Teacher Preparation

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Gather students on the carpet by the Living vs Nonliving Anchor Chart
  • Explain that living things grow, move on their own, and need food and water; nonliving things do not
  • Invite students to name one living and one nonliving thing; record responses on the chart
  • Use simple language and encourage participation

Step 2

Exploration Activity

15 minutes

  • Divide students into pairs and give each pair a magnifying glass, assorted objects, and Living vs Nonliving Sorting Cards
  • Instruct pairs to examine each object, decide if it’s living or nonliving, and match it to the correct card
  • Circulate to prompt thinking with questions like “Why do you think this is living?”
  • Support students who need help by modeling with one example

Step 3

Group Discussion

5 minutes

  • Reconvene as a whole class and invite pairs to share one object and explain their choice
  • Add new examples to the Living vs Nonliving Anchor Chart
  • Highlight key characteristics of living things (growth, movement, needs)
  • Praise all contributions and correct gently if needed

Step 4

Assessment & Reflection

3 minutes

  • Show one object at a time and ask students to give a thumbs-up for living or thumbs-down for nonliving
  • Ask a few volunteers to explain their answers in one sentence
  • Affirm correct reasoning and clarify any misconceptions

Step 5

Clean-Up

2 minutes

  • Have students return sorting cards and objects to the central table
  • Erase or put away the anchor chart and materials
  • Give positive feedback for teamwork and cleanup
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