SILO F.3 (DRAFT)

Foundation, Term 3: Living things

Focus: Cycles

Scope and sequence: Life cycles

Learning intention: Students explore the characteristics, needs and uses of living things.
NSW Syllabus
Australian Curriculum (version 9.0)
"A student explores the characteristics, needs and uses of living things." (STe-3LW-ST)
"Students learn to observe external features of plants and animals and describe ways they can be grouped based on these features." (AC9SFU01)


Introduction to the topic

CD case planters

The following video (2:28) shows how students can use CD cases to grow seeds.  They can also write on their experiment as it happens as an introduction to real-time data logging.


 

Inventing a creature

What have you cared for? Discuss some of the different ways in which children have been encouraged to be responsible in the past. For example, caring for an egg, plant or Tamagotchi.


Introduction to food chains

The following video (2:34) is an animated version of the nursery rhyme There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly.


The characteristics of life


 How can you tell if something is alive?

The following video (3:40) is a great introduction to the characteristics of life.


This short video (2:09) outlines seven characteristics of living things, namely:

  1. Grow and develop
  2. Reproduce
  3. Respond
  4. Use energy
  5. Maintain homeostasis
  6. Are organised
  7. Adapt and evolve



Of these seven characteristics, perhaps homeostasis is the least familiar term. Homeostasis is the state of steady internal, physical, chemical, and social conditions maintained by living systems. This is discussed further in SILO 5.1 'Biochemistry'.


Moderated self-assessment



 

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