Overview
Students investigate the observable characteristics of organisms.  Students observe, compare, categorize, and care for a selection of organisms.  They learn to identify properties of plants and animals and to sort and group organisms on the basis of observable properties. Students investigate structures of the organisms and learn how some of the structures function in growth and survival.

Learning Expectations:
Understand that organisms interact with their environment.
Understand that all living things have structures with specific functions that work together to make the organism function in a specific environment.

• Develop an attitude of respect for life.
• Gain experience with organisms, both plants and animals.
• Observe and compare properties of seeds and fruits.
• Investigate the effect of water on seeds.
• Observe, describe, and record properties of geminated seeds.
• Compare different kinds of germinated seeds.
• Grow plants hydroponically, and observe the life cycle of a bean plant.
• Know that living organisms are made up of parts that have specific functions.
• Observe and record crayfish and land snail structures and behavior.
• Use knowledge of crayfish and snail life requirements to maintain the organisms in the class.
• Organize data about territorial behavior of crayfish.
• Develop responsibility for the care of organisms.
• Acquire vocabulary associated with life science.
• Apply language, art, social studies, and math skills in the context of science.
• Use scientific thinking processes to conduct investigations and build explanations: observing, communicating, comparing, and organizing.
• Work collaboratively and use tools and scientific techniques to make better observations.
• Understand science safety and follow safe practices during investigations.

Assessments: