Unit Plan 13 (Grade K Science): What Living Things Need

Focus: Observe and describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.

Grade Level: K

Subject Area: Science (Life Science • Inquiry/Practices)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, students investigate a big kindergarten idea: all living things need certain things to survive, and we can spot patterns by observing plants, animals, and people. Students use pictures, simple classroom observations, and a small class plant investigation to identify needs like water, air, food, sunlight, and shelter/space. By the end of the week, students create a “Living Things Need…” product that shows they can explain these needs with clear examples.

Essential Questions

• What do living things need to survive?
• What patterns do we notice across plants, animals, and humans?
• How can we use observations to show evidence of what living things need?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Identify whether something is living or nonliving using observable features (moves/grows/needs).
2. Describe at least three needs of plants (e.g., water, sunlight, air, space).
3. Describe at least three needs of animals/humans (e.g., food, water, air, shelter).
4. Use pictures and simple investigations to explain a pattern: living things need resources to survive.
5. Create a “Living Things Needs” mini-book or poster that shows needs with labeled examples.

Standards Alignment — Kindergarten (NGSS-Aligned)

• K-LS1-1 — Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
  • Example: Use classroom observations and photos to identify needs (water, air, food, sunlight, shelter/space).

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can tell if something is living or nonliving.
• I can name what plants need (like water and sunlight).
• I can name what animals and humans need (like food, water, and air).
• I can explain a pattern: living things need certain things to survive.
• I can make a mini-book/poster that shows needs with clear pictures and labels.