Characteristics of Living Things

Through two investigations, life science learners determine whether or not yeast is alive. They perform tests for metabolism by providing sugar and observing if gas is produced as a byproduct. They incubate some of the sample for at...

When life gives you mold, make penicillin. Scholars design an inquiry experiment to determine what causes rotting and mold growth. It also covers decomposers and the important role they play for other living things. 

We all know what it means for something to be living, right? In the first installment of a five-part video series, viewers first learn about the seven characteristics of life. The video then analyzes these characteristics in relation to...

What makes a living thing, well, living? Explore the many characteristics of living things through an animated video. Science scholars become acquainted with the obvious and not-so-obvious traits exhibited by organisms, then learn that...

Discusses the interrelatedness of all living things and of ecosystems and biomes, and what organisms need to survive and to maximize the carrying capacity of an ecosystem. This explanation is followed by a series of activities including...

Compares the characteristics of living and non-living things based on respiration, life processes, response to stimuli, death, and composition.

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Videos, texts, activities, and assessments about the factors that characterize living things.

Covers seven characteristics shared by all living organisms.[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.]

A narrated introduction to the seven characteristics of living things. [1:12]

Display seven items for your biologists to consider. Are they living or non-living? How can you tell? This is a simple outline of what you can display and questions that can be discussed as this topic is explored. One way to use this...