Living and Non-Living Things

Dear Parents,

We are now comparing living and non-living things, as it is part of the 1st grade science TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills).

What makes an organism a "living" thing?

• made of cells
• reproduces
• possess and use energy
• responds and adapts to the environment
• grow and develop

Here are some fun and educational sites that you can visit with your child. These sites will build upon what they already know about living and non-living things.

At the Sorting Site, you and your child can move the objects on the screen and sort them into the living or non-living columns. In order to decide where each item should be placed, the student can use what they already know about living things. After you are done sorting, you may check your work by clicking the "check" link at the bottom right corner of the screen.

At the Plants and Animals site, you can take pictures of the living things that are on the playground! Once you have taken the pictures, you play a game to remember where each living thing was found on the playground. Have fun!

At the Information Site you and your child can view a short poem that describes different types of living things. It also provides additional information about these living things, and more links that can be used as resources.

At the Living Tree Site, learn about trees by watching a video. Not only will you learn why a tree is a living thing, but you will get the chance to discover even more about these green, leafy wonders!

Thank you for checking out the blog this week. The class and are excited and looking forward to learning about weather. I will create a new posting for more online fun. See you then!