Chapter 1
Science (P–5)
Course: Gace 702 Elementary Education P 5 Study Guide
Subject: Gace 702 Testlet 004 Science P 5
Chapter: Science P 5 5933 10857
Overview
This lesson explores the characteristics of life, classification of organisms, plant and animal life cycles, adaptations, ecosystems and food chains, the human body, and strategies for teaching life science effectively. Georgia provides rich opportunities for life science learning through diverse ecosystems, world-class institutions like the Georgia Aquarium, and varied wildlife throughout the state.
Characteristics of Living Things
- Living things (organisms) share specific characteristics that distinguish them from non-living matter. Understanding what makes something "alive" is more complex than it first appears, and elementary students often hold misconceptions — believing things that move are alive (water, cars) or that growing things like crystals must be alive. Teachers must guide students to understand the complete set of characteristics that define life.