Learning Objective
Students will be able to compare and contrast the needs of plants versus the needs of animals.
Grade Levels
K-2
Next Generation Science Standard
LS1-1. Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
Materials Needed
Image of plant and dog
Venn diagram
“Basic Needs of Plants and Animals” Sheet
Computer with internet access
Lesson
Introduction
- Show the students an image of a plant and an image of a dog.
- Have students describe details about the plant and details about the dog. List on the whiteboard.
- Possible discussion questions: What is special about a plant? What is special about a dog? What do they need to be happy and healthy?
Explicit Instruction/Teacher Modeling
- Display a venn diagram that shows what dogs and plants need to survive. (Example information for venn diagram-Plants need sun, soil, seed and space. Animals need food and a home. Plants AND animals need air and water).
- Review it with the students and discuss why plants and animals have different needs.
- Ask students to raise their hand if they have a pet. Ask those students to list the things their pet needs.
- Read through this resource about the needs of a dog: Dog Needs
- Have students consider how those needs are different than a plant. (note-ideally you could bring in a small plant for the students to observe more closely).
Independent Working Time
- Have students work with partners or in small groups to complete the “Basic Needs of Plants and Animals Sheet.”
Review
- Have students share their ideas from the worksheet and discuss why animals and plants have different needs.
References
Be a Responsible Dog Owner. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/dog-owners/responsible-dog-ownership/#keephealthy.