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

This unit focuses on grouping living things and using classification keys to identify and name them in various environments. It explores how environmental changes can pose dangers to organisms. Emphasis is on asking questions, collecting data, and using evidence to support conclusions.

Living things and the environment

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Activity that requires collection of items from an area (room, building).

To group things is to put {{}} things together. 

some things that are similar and some things that are different.

Look at the image. What do the objects have in common?

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

Which of these are observable characteristics of a living thing? 

Which of these ways to present information can be used to present objects belonging to more than one group? 

Humans ask {{}} to help them understand how and why things happen in the world. 

Which of these questions can be answered with a yes or a no response? 

Which of these question starters would give you a yes or no answer? 

To find out something they already know. 

Look at the image. Which of the things listed would belong in this group? 

Match the object to the the most suitable group.

Content guidance

Exploration of objects

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Introducing observable characteristics

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.