To group things is to put similar things together.

To have something in common is to share interests or other characteristics with someone or something.

An observable characteristic is a feature or property of a living thing that we can see or use our other senses to observe.

A diagram is a simplified representation of information.

Introducing observable characteristics

Science

In this Living things and the environment unit, pupils learn to explore and use classification keys to help group, identify and name living things. In the Why we group and classify living things unit, they will build on this knowledge to give reasons why we classify plants and animals based on specific characteristics

In the Living things and where they live unit, pupils learnt that things can be grouped into: alive, dead and never alive. In this Living things in the environment unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to recognsie that living things can be grouped in a wider variety of ways

Living things and the environment

To observe is to look very closely and use other senses too.

Groups contain similar objects according to their features.

To classify is to sort objects into groups based on their similarities and differences

Grouping animals 

We put similar things together in groups.

An observable characteristic is a feature of a living thing that we can see or describe using our senses. We can use these to help identify it.

To classify is to sort objects into groups based on their similarities and differences.

Grouping plants 

A question is a type of sentence that asks something.

A name is a word by which a person or thing is known.

To identify something is to be able to name it correctly.

Identifying living things (non-statutory)

Classification keys are diagrams which help us identify objects using yes/no questions.

A yes/no question is a type of sentence that asks something and is answered with only yes or no.

An observable characteristic is a feature or property of something that we can see or use our other senses to observe.

Classification keys 

The parts of an animal’s body are called its structure.

A zoologist is a type of scientist that studies animals.

Classification keys to identify animals 

The parts of a plants surface are called its structure.

A botanist is scientist who studies plants.

Classification keys to identify plants 

The environment is the surroundings of a living thing, including other plants or animals and the conditions they live in.

Seasons are periods of similar weather. In the UK there are four seasons (spring, summer, autumn and winter).

When animals migrate, they move from one environment to another in different seasons.

To hibernate, an animal goes into a deep sleep; usually in winter when food is scarce.

Environments and seasonal changes

Flooding is the covering or submerging of normally dry land with a large amount of water.

A crop is a plant that is grown to be sold, often as food.

Land which is waterlogged is full of water or almost covered by a layer of water.

Extreme means very large in amount; much more than normal.

Climate is weather patterns over a long period of time.

Extreme weather: flooding (non-statutory Climate Change & Sustainability)

Temperature is a measure of how hot something is.

In the UK, a heatwave is at least three consecutive days of temperatures above what would normally be expected.

Extreme is very large in amount, much more than normal.

A wildfire is a large, destructive fire that spreads quickly through forests, grasslands and other areas with lots of plants.

Extreme weather: heatwaves and wild fires (non-statutory CC & Sustainability)

The impact of something is the effect it has.

A population is all the living things of one type, living in a particular place.

Deforestation is the removal of trees from land which is then used for a non-forest purpose.

Changing environments: land development and deforestation

An environment is the surroundings of a living thing, including other plants and animals and the conditions they live in.

Waste is any material or substance that is no longer needed or usable which is generated as a result of human activities.

Pollution is the introduction of harmful materials into the environment.

Industry is the companies and activities involved in the process of producing goods for sale, especially in a factory.

Changing environments: waste creation and pollution

The environment is the surroundings of a living thing, including other plants or animals, and the conditions they live in.

An endangered plant or animal is one that is at risk of becoming extinct.

To estimate is quick calculation of what the size, value or amount of something might be.

A researcher is someone who studies a subject, especially in order to discover new information or reach a new understanding.

Animals in danger

The place where a plant or animal lives is called its habitat.

When something is in decline it gradually becomes less, worse, or lower.

Animals and plants that grow independently of people, usually in natural conditions, are called wildlife.

To protect something is to keep it safe from harm.

Protecting animals in decline (non-statutory Climate Change & Sustainability)

An estimate is a quick calculation of what the size, value or amount of something might be.

A plant survey involves counting the numbers of different plants within an area to gather information.

A quadrat is a simple device for marking out a small area.

Changing environments: plants in danger

A positive impact is when people’s actions help other living things and their environment.

If something is protected it is kept safe from harm.

An urban area is an area where many people live and work close together, such as a city or town.

A nature reserve is a protected area of land set aside to conserve wildlife, plants, and natural habitats.

Ecology is the study of how living things interact with each other and their environment.

Changing environments: nature reserves

Reforestation is the act of planting trees on an area of land that has become empty or spoiled.

Recycling involves sorting and treating rubbish to produce useful materials that can be used again.

When we reuse something, we use it again.

Landfill is when we get rid of waste by burying it in the ground.

An environmental scientist studies the impact that humans have had on the environment, and works to protect changing environments.

Changing environments: reforestation and recycling

A news report gives us information about current events.

A verbal presentation is in the form of spoken words.

To quote someone is to repeat the words they have said or written.

An informed choice is a decision you make when you have all of the information about the decision topic.

Environmental changes in the news (non-statutory)

The media gives the public news and information. Different types of media include television, radio, newspapers, magazines and the internet.

The result of a test or enquiry is what happened or what was found out.

A table is a grid in which information can be recorded and stored.

A chart is a drawing that shows information.

To communicate is to share or exchange information or ideas.

Living things and the environment

Choose a lesson (19)

These lessons will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.