Living Things Introduction

Overview

This 55-minute lesson introduces Year 4 students to the concept of living things, focusing on identifying characteristics that define living organisms. It draws on the National Curriculum for England’s Key Stage 2 Science programme of study for Animals, including humans and Living things and their habitats. The lesson sets the foundation for the unit "Living Things Uncovered" by engaging students with real-life examples from their local environment and fostering inquiry and observation skills.

National Curriculum Links

Programme of Study: Key Stage 2 Science (Years 3 and 4)

Working Scientifically: Asking relevant questions, observing closely, using simple equipment, gathering and recording data (NC Ref: KS2 Science Working Scientifically)
Living things and their habitats: Recognise that living things can be grouped in a variety of ways (NC Ref: KS2 Science – Living things and their habitats)
Animals, including humans: Describe the simple functions of basic parts of the digestive system in humans (Prepares for later lessons; relevant for understanding living organisms)

Learning objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students will:

Understand and describe the seven characteristics of living things (movement, respiration, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, excretion, nutrition).
Identify living things found in their local environment.
Apply observational and discussion skills to classify living and non-living objects.
Work collaboratively to produce a list of living organisms encountered daily.

Resources Needed

Whiteboard or flipchart and markers
Large printed images or physical examples (plastic plants, toy animals, pictures of fungi, bacteria illustrations)
Observation worksheet (includes space for drawing and noting characteristics)
Sticky notes or small cards labelled with “Living” or “Non-living”
Clipboards and pencils for outdoor activity (optional)
“Living Things Characteristics” poster (simplified for Year 4)

Lesson Outline

1. Engagement & Starter Activity (10 minutes)

Aim: Ignite curiosity and activate prior knowledge.

Teacher writes the question on the board:
“What does it mean to be alive?”
Students share quick ideas; teacher notes key words on the board.
Show 6-8 objects/pictures (living and non-living) and ask:
“Which of these are alive?”
Model how to decide—prompt with questions like, “Does it move? Does it grow?”
Introduce the seven characteristics of living things (MRS GREN):
- Movement
- Respiration (breathing)
- Sensitivity (response to stimuli)
- Growth
- Reproduction
- Excretion (getting rid of waste)
- Nutrition (taking in food)
Display the MRS GREN poster to support visual learners.

2. Main Activity: Group Sorting and Discussion (20 minutes)

Aim: Apply characteristics to classify and list living organisms in the local environment.

Divide the class into 3 groups (6 students each). Provide each group with a variety of pictures and small objects representing plants, animals, fungi, rocks, plastic toys, etc.
Each group sorts items into two categories: “Living” or “Non-living” on a large sorting mat or table. They justify choices based on MRS GREN characteristics.
Groups then brainstorm and list examples of living things they see or know from their local environment (garden, park, home). Encourage diversity: animals, plants, fungi, microorganisms (discussed as ‘too small to see but still living’).
Groups write their lists on large sheets or whiteboards.
Teacher circulates, questioning and prompting thinking, ensuring understanding.

3. Plenary and Reflection (15 minutes)

Aim: Consolidate learning and assess understanding.

Groups share their lists with the whole class. Discuss similarities and differences.
Teacher leads a class discussion:
- “What surprised you about living things?”
- “Can something be alive if it doesn’t move?”
- “Why is understanding living things important?”
Quick formative assessment: each student writes or draws one living thing they learned about and one characteristic that applies to it on a sticky note.
Stick the notes on a board under headings: “Living Things” and “Characteristics”.
Teacher provides feedback and clarifications.

4. Extension / Homework Task

Optional for homework or next lesson warm-up:

Ask students to observe their garden, local park, or window view at home and note down or draw at least 3 different living things they see.
Encourage them to identify which MRS GREN characteristic helped them decide these were alive.

Assessment

Formative assessment: Observation of group discussions and sorting activity accuracy.
Plenary sticky note task: Checks individual understanding of characteristics and examples of living things.
Ongoing: Teacher questions during group work; ability to justify their categorisation choices.

Differentiation Strategies

For Lower Attainers or SEND: Use fewer sorting items and provide extra visual aids; pair with a supportive peer.
For Higher Attainers: Challenge to think about microorganisms or borderline cases (e.g., seeds – alive but dormant).
Use questioning tailored to individual or group needs to extend reasoning skills.

Curriculum Links Summary

Curriculum Area	Specific Reference	Lesson Focus
Working Scientifically	Asking questions, observing, recording data	Group sorting and observation activity
Living things and their habitats	Recognise and group living things	Classifying using MRS GREN
Animals, including humans	Basic functions (respiration)	Breathing as a characteristic of life

Teacher’s Notes

Emphasise the scientific terms with child-friendly explanations.
Prompt children to think beyond animals and consider plants and fungi as living things.
Encourage curiosity by challenging common misconceptions such as “rocks can grow” or “plastic things are alive because they move sometimes when pushed.”
Create a class display from sticky notes and lists to reference in future lessons.

This lesson enables Year 4 learners to see science as an investigative process, grounded in real-world experiences, while meeting the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum for England.

Teaching Instructions