Worksheet: Living and Non-Living Things

Introduction:
Living and non-living things are an important concept in the field of science. It helps us understand the characteristics and differences between objects that are alive and those that are not. Let's explore this topic in detail.

Definition:
Living things are organisms that have the ability to grow, reproduce, and respond to the environment. They require energy to survive and exhibit various life processes. Non-living things, on the other hand, are objects or substances that do not possess these characteristics.

Characteristics of Living Things:
- Growth: Living things have the ability to grow and develop. They increase in size and complexity over time.
- Reproduction: Living things can produce offspring of their own kind. This ensures the continuation of the species.
- Response to stimuli: Living things can respond to changes in their environment. They can move, sense, and react to various stimuli.
- Metabolism: Living things obtain energy from their surroundings through processes like respiration and digestion.
- Cells: Living things are made up of cells, which are the basic building blocks of life.
- Homeostasis: Living things have the ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external surroundings.

Examples of Living Things:
- Animals: Dogs, cats, birds, and insects are examples of living things. They can move, reproduce, and respond to their environment.
- Plants: Trees, flowers, and grass are living things. They can grow, reproduce, and undergo photosynthesis to produce food.
- Humans: We are living things. We have all the characteristics mentioned above.

Characteristics of Non-Living Things:
- Non-living things do not grow or reproduce. They do not require energy to survive.
- Non-living things do not respond to stimuli or exhibit any life processes.
- Non-living things can be natural, like rocks and water, or man-made, like buildings and cars.

Examples of Non-Living Things:
- Rocks, stones, and mountains are non-living things.
- Water, air, and soil are non-living things.
- Books, toys, and computers are non-living things.

Conclusion:
Understanding the difference between living and non-living things is essential for children to develop a basic understanding of the world around them. By observing and categorizing objects based on their characteristics, they can enhance their scientific knowledge. Remember, living things possess certain qualities that set them apart from non-living things, such as the ability to grow, reproduce, and respond to stimuli.

Additional Resources:
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