Lesson Plan: It’s Alive! Or Is It?

Great Thinker's Challenge:

Think critically about things that exist in the world in which we live. Create a list of criteria to identify things that are alive, and things that are not. Discuss and debate the importance of living things and express an opinion about the importance of humans in relation to other living things.

Learning Objectives:

• (Science) Identify and describe living things in the environment.

• (Science) Analyze the relationship between human beings and other living things.

• (Literacy) Form and express an argument with supporting evidence.

Materials/Preparation:

• Question Tree worksheet

• Large tree trunk with branches, cut out of repurposed cardboard

• Small, medium, and large sized leaves, cut out of repurposed cardstock (e.g., from a cereal box) or paper from the recycle bin

• Poster paper

• Adhesive putty, push pins or paper clips to attach leaves to the tree

Grade Range: 2-5

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