Comparing Living and Nonliving Things

Comparing Living and Nonliving Things

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- compare living and non-living things 
  through the use of a Venn Diagram

- the Venn Diagram can be modified       
  depending on the age/ability of the children

 

Activity

- a brainstorming session is an effective 

  way to begin this activity 

- using chart paper, have the students 

  think of characteristics of living and non-living things

- older children may only need a couple 

   ideas and then they can independently complete their 
                                                   comparisons

                                                 - younger children can use two hula hoops to 
                                                   organize each point 

- teach how Venn Diagram organize (in 

  this case) two things are different in the 

  two separate circles and how they are 

  the same where the two circles overlap

Follow-Up

- use picture cues to go with each category 

  for pre-readers (this is great for small 

  groups)

- technology can be used to complete the 
  Venn Diagram (the app/program will need 
  to be accessible and understood)

More great comparison activities can be found at these links!

Urban and Rural Communities

Music Comparisons

Seasons

Signs Of Spring

Seasons

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- compare two seasons through the

  use of a Venn Diagram

- the Venn Diagram can be 

  modified depending on the age/ability of 

  the children

Activity

- a brainstorming session is an effective 

  way to begin this activity 

- using chart paper, have the students 

  think of characteristics for the two seasons being compared

- older children may only need a couple 

  ideas and then they can independently 

  complete their comparisons

- younger children can use two hula 

  hoops to organize each point 

- teach how Venn Diagram show how (in 

  this case) two things are different in the 

  two separate circles and how they are 

  the same where the two circles overlap

Follow-Up

- use picture cues to go with each season

  for pre-readers (this is great for small 

  groups)

- technology can be used to complete the Venn Diagram (the app/program will need to be 

  accessible and understood)

Paper Abstract

Paper Abstract

Paper Abstract

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- an abstract work of art

- children can also use the same concept 
  to design their own roller coaster
- these look stunning when put on display 
  on a bulletin board or even on tables

Materials

- colored paper (the more colors the 

  better) cut into long rectangles of varied 

  widths - I like cartridge paper in pastel 

  and bold colors

- rectangular background paper (black or 

  dark blue is recommended to show the 

  contrast of colors - the color chosen should not be used as one to be glued on 

- construction paper can be used for the background - I prefer the 9 X 12 size

- glue sticks

Construction - Abstract

- demonstrate how the rectangular strips of paper can be cut to desired lengths and ask for 

  ideas on how to fold and twist them in different ways (zigzag, looped pointed)

- also encourage varied heights, colors, folds and twists

- the strips can also go over and under one another to add interest

- remind them that when creating an abstract, it's not a picture, anything goes and it should 

  be all mixed up

- glue down on the black or dark blue rectangular paper so that the paper is sticking up in 

  the air - some demonstrating is recommended ( the ends of the long rectangular strips do 

  not necessarily have to be glued down near each other

Roller Coaster

- the same technique as the abstract can be used except smooth strips would be used

- it may also be more organized

Life Cycle Of A Butterfly

Life Cycle Of A Butterfly

Life Cycle Of A Butterfly

Use the shape of a butterfly (the four parts of the wings) or caterpillar (circles to make up the length of the caterpillar) to describe the parts of the life cycle (egg, larva, caterpillar, butterfly).

Make a caterpillar out of pompoms, chenille stems, google eyes and a long magnet. 

Butterflies can be made out of tissue paper, a clothes pin, chenille stem (for antennae).

Instead of using a clothes pin, a chenille stem can be folded in half for a different effect.

They can be glued on to a long magnet. the clothes pin can hold small pieces of paper. Makes a great gift! To stay with the theme, a pencil can be decorated with pompoms near the end. these can be glued on in a straight line or wind their way around the pencil. A magnet can be glued on to the pencil if you want to keep the set together. 

Beautiful, big butterflies look amazing when using bright coloured tissue paper, gathered in the centre with a chenille stem. Let students use their imaginations when putting the finishing touches on the wings (pieces of tissue paper, glitter, small foam pieces, sequins). 

Butterflies are fantastic subjects when teaching/demonstrating symmetry! Young children can draw or create simply designs demonstrating a line of symmetry. Older children should demonstrate more complex patterns on each wing while also showing symmetry.

A mirror is a great teaching tool when checking for lines of symmetry. Have the children locate items in the classroom that are symmetrical. Don't forget to discuss different lines of symmetry (not all lines are vertical, but can also be vertical and diagonal). Also discuss and observe that some objects have more than one line of symmetry (a square has the three lines of symmetry). Sometimes it is easier to see additional lines of symmetry when rotating the object. 

A great math activity to compliment this lesson can be found at Butterfly Symmetry