Similarities and Differences

Grade: 1st Grade

Subject: Science

Duration: 45 Minutes

Standards: Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) - 1-LS1-1: "Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs."

Objectives

• Students will understand the basic similarities and differences between humans and animals.
• Students will identify shared characteristics among humans and animals, such as senses and body parts.
• Students will appreciate the unique features that differentiate humans from animals.

Materials

• Pictures of various animals and humans.
• Cut-out shapes of human and animal body parts (e.g., eyes, nose, ears, wings, paws, etc.).
• A large chart paper or whiteboard.
• Markers or crayons.
• "Animal Masks" craft materials: paper plates, strings, colors, and glue.

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Greeting and Setting the Scene

   • Welcome students to the "Human and Animals" exploration day! Tell them today they will learn how they and their favorite animals are alike and different.

2. Interactive Discussion

   • Begin with a simple question, "What makes you similar to a lion and an elephant?" Encourage short responses, acknowledging all contributions.
   • Display pictures of a human, a lion, a bird, and a fish. Ask students to identify what each of the pictures shows.

Activity 1: Matching Game (15 minutes)

1. Instructions

   • Distribute cut-out shapes of human and animal body parts to each student. Ensure variety so each student has different body parts.

2. Engage Students in Matching

   • On the blackboard or chart paper, create two columns: one labeled "Humans" and the other "Animals."
   • Ask students to come up and place their cut-out in the correct column. As they place each part, have a short discussion about what it does (e.g., Arms and wings both help in movement).

3. Group Reflection

   • Ask the group, "Can humans have wings like birds? Why or why not?" Lead this to understanding that even with similarities, there are unique differences.

Activity 2: Animal Masks Craft (15 minutes)

1. Craft Instructions

   • Provide each student with a paper plate. Explain that they will create animal masks representing their favorite animals.
   • Help them cut eye holes and use strings to attach the masks. Use colors, markers, and other materials to create features like ears, noses, and so on. Encourage creativity.

2. Animal Parade

   • Once masks are ready, have a short parade where students can wear their masks and act like their chosen animals.

Conclusion and Review (5 minutes)

1. Closing Circle

   • Gather students in a circle with their animal masks. Discuss what animals they chose and one thing they learned about how they are the same or different from animals.

2. Review Key Points

   • Highlight the main lesson: Humans and animals share some features, but both have unique traits that help them survive.

Assessment

• Observe students' participation during activities and discussions.
• Assess students' understanding based on their ability to accurately match body parts and describe differences and similarities.

Extension Activity (Optional)

• For students who show advanced understanding, provide them with a drawing sheet to draw an imaginary animal that has both human and animal features. Encourage them to share their creation and the functions of each feature to enhance learning creatively.