Stage 1 Pre-visit Activities

Emphasis on Living and non-living things

Identify and classify things into living and non- living groups.
Discuss: ‘What makes something a living thing?’
How living things can be grouped into microorganisms, plants and animals
Investigate the characteristics of microorganisms (chart of differences)
Investigate the characteristics of plants (chart of differences)
Investigate the characteristics of animals (chart of differences)
Discuss: ‘How do plants differ from animals?’

Discover how plants need to grow and reproduce.
Explore the question, ‘Where do plants get their food’.
Compare plants that have different features and special needs.
Look at the different parts of a plant. Eg. Stem, flower, leaves, seeds, roots, petals etc.

Investigate the different groups of animals (Mammals; Reptiles; Amphibians; Birds; Fish, Insects) (hyperlink to Mini Beasts website)
Collect pictures and make a chart to show these different groups. Record simple characteristics of each group.
Discuss: ‘We are living things. Which group do we belong to?’
Look at the different parts of animals. Eg. Head thorax, tail, antennae, eyes, wings etc.

Start by exploring the notion of communities. Ask “who is your neighbour?’ The purpose of this discussion is to help children understand that we belong to a community of animals. Each member has its own needs for food, shelter, water and safety. This could lead into discussion about ‘habitat’
Find pictures, watch videos or explore Internet sites (hyperlinks) to see how different animals (including people) construct their shelters.
Share books, posters and internet sites to observe the differences in shelters in different environments. (hyperlink)
Identify what materials were used in the construction of your home and/or school.
Name any special features that help to keep your house or school cool and warm.
Examine and become familiar with a MAP of ErinEarth, label prominent features.(Map with labels)