Organisms
Using the natural curiosity that young children have about plants and animals, Organisms asks students to develop observational skills by caring for and looking at organisms. Students create and maintain an aquarium and a terrarium; making first-hand observations of plants and animals allows students to develop an understanding and sensitivity for living things. Students are able to observe how the animals and plants coexist and determine the basic needs of every living thing as well as needs that are unique to each organism. In a final lesson, students apply what they have learned about organisms to humans, exploring how human beings are similar to and different from other living things.
Concepts
We use our senses to observe the world around us.
Organisms have basic needs, such as food, water, air, space, and shelter.
Each type of organism has specific needs, such as type of food, amount of water, amount of light, amount of space, and type of shelter.
There is a wide diversity of living things on earth.
Organisms grow, change, and die over time.Some plants grow from seeds.
The roots grow first and then the stem
Plants have similarities, such as the ability to grow and the need for water, light, space, and air.
Humans are similar to other organisms.
Humans have basic needs and also grow, change, and die.
Skills
Observing and describing the characteristics of seeds and plants.
Planting seeds and observing and recording their growth.
Observing and describing the characteristics of a variety of plants and animals in woodland and freshwater environments.
Recording observations in words and drawings.
Making comparisons among a variety of plants and animals.
Communicating ideas through writing, drawing, and discussion.
Reading to enhance understanding of the basic needs of organisms and the diversity of life.
Applying what students know about plants and animals to what students know about themselves.
Maintaining plants and animals outside their natural environments.
Attitudes
Developing an interest in exploring the characteristics of plants and animals.
Gaining an awareness of the diversity of life.Developing positive attitudes toward different forms of life.
Developing awareness that humans are similar to other living things.Developing sensitivity to the needs of living things.