Exploring Plants

In this media-rich lesson, students observe plant growth by watching a time-lapse video and by growing their own seeds. They identify the conditions seeds need to germinate and consider the role that fruits play in seed dispersal.

Is It Alive?

What is it that distinguishes a living organism from a nonliving object? This video presents examples that aren't as clear-cut as one might think, enticing students to question what it means to be alive.

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Life's Basic Ingredients

This video excerpt from NOVA introduces the basic ingredients of life.

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Living and Nonliving

What is it that distinguishes a living organism from a nonliving object? This collection of images presents examples that aren't as clear-cut as one might think, enticing students to question the meaning of life.

Living vs. Nonliving

Students explore the characteristics that distinguish living from nonliving things.

Paper Towel Plants

In this video from Curious George, learn about how beans, a type of seed, can sprout into plants.

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What Is Life?

In this lesson, students observe a number of objects, make a list of life’s characteristics, and develop a working definition of being alive.