Unit Plan 16 (Grade K Science): Humans Meet Needs Too
Kindergarten science unit comparing human needs with plants and animals, observing patterns and how people meet food, water, shelter, safety, space.
Focus: Connect human needs (food, water, air, shelter, safety, space) to the needs of animals and plants by observing patterns and explaining how people meet needs in different ways.
Grade Level: K
Subject Area: Science (Life Science • Inquiry/Observation)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 30–45 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Children learn that humans are living things, too—and we need many of the same basics that animals and plants need. Through picture sorting, simple “needs walks,” and classroom investigations, students identify patterns: living things need food, water, and safe places to live. Students compare how different families and communities meet needs (homes, clothing, stores, gardens, helpers) while emphasizing respect, safety, and diverse experiences.
Essential Questions
- What do humans need to survive and stay healthy?
- How are human needs similar to and different from the needs of animals and plants?
- What are some different ways people meet needs at home, school, and in the community?
- How can we take care of living things by helping meet their needs?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Identify and describe patterns in what humans need to survive (food, water, air, shelter, safety, space).
- Compare human needs to the needs of animals and plants using classroom examples and observations.
- Sort pictures/objects into categories: needs vs. wants (with teacher guidance and kid-friendly language).
- Use observations to explain at least two ways people meet needs (e.g., we get water from sinks/bottles; we stay safe with rules; we use homes/clothing for shelter).
- Create a simple “Needs Map” (drawing + labels) showing where humans meet needs at school or home.
Standards Alignment — Kindergarten (NGSS-Aligned)
- K-LS1-1 — Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
- Example: Observe classroom plants/pets (or photos) and identify patterns: water, food, air, space, and shelter/safety.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can tell what humans need to live and grow.
- I can explain how humans are like animals and plants because we all need food and water.
- I can sort pictures into needs and wants with help.
- I can show (with a drawing) where people meet needs at school or at home.
- I can use science words like needs, survive, and pattern.