Classification: Living and non-living things

Questions to think about… How do we classify things? Why do we classify things? How do we show the classification of things? What is classification?

Questions to think about… What are the characteristics of living and non-living things? What are some groups of living things? What are the different things around us?

What is classification? Classification is putting things into groups. How do you think things are grouped in a supermarket?

Why do we classify things? Classification helps us to see things in an orderly way. It helps us to study and understand the diversity around us. How are these pens classified?

How do we classify things? We classify things based on their common characteristics. Characteristics describe what something has or can do. Examples of characteristics are shape, size and colour.

How do we classify things? First, look out for the similarities and differences in the characteristics of the things we wish to classify. How do you think these two objects are similar or different from each other?

How do we classify things? We then group together things that have the same characteristics. We can also group the same things in different ways depending on our purpose.

How do we classify things? Step 1: Identify the purpose of the classification. Step 2: Select the characteristics to be used to group the things. Step 3: Draw tables and diagrams to show the grouping. Step 4: Put the things into the correct groups.

How do we show the classification of things? Tables and diagrams can be used to show classification. Classification according to taste

What are the different things around us? Living things Non-living things Living things are things that are alive. Non-living things are things that are not alive.

What are the characteristics of living and non-living things? Living things need air, water and food to stay alive. Non-living things do not need air, water and food.

What are the characteristics of living and non-living things? Living things grow and change. Non-living things do not grow. What happens to a living thing as it grows? baby girl young girl

What are the characteristics of living and non-living things? When a living thing grows, it may: increase in height increase in size change in appearance seed young plant adult plant

What are the characteristics of living and non-living things? Living things respond to changes around them. Non-living things do not respond to changes around them. Heat, sound, light and touch can affect how living things behave. A millipede responds by curling when touched.

What are the characteristics of living and non-living things? Living things reproduce and have young. Non-living things do not reproduce. Why must living things reproduce? A peahen and its chicks Living things reproduce so that their own kind will continue to exist.

What are the characteristics of living and non-living things? Living things die. They die when: they become old and their bodies fail to work; they fall very sick; they do not have enough air, water or food; they are eaten up by other living things; they are affected by some human activities. Non-living things do not die.

What are some groups of living things?

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