Characteristics of Living and Non-living things Basic Science JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 2

Subject: Basic Science
Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 2
Age: 11 – 12 years
Topic: Living and Non-Living Things (II)
Sub-topic:
I. Characteristics of Living and Non-Living Things
II. Examples, Characteristics, and Importance of Plants and Animals
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Identify the characteristics of living things using “MR NIGER DAC”.
2. Differentiate between living and non-living things.
3. List examples of plants and animals.
4. Explain the importance of plants and animals in our environment.
5. Understand how living things adapt and survive in their environment.

Keywords:

• Movement
• Respiration
• Nutrition
• Irritability
• Growth
• Excretion
• Reproduction
• Adaptation
• Competition
• Death

Set Induction:

Show the class a video clip or picture of animals and plants in action (e.g., a lion chasing prey or a tree growing). Ask them, “What makes these organisms different from a stone or a car?” This will introduce the concept of living and non-living things.

Entry Behaviour:

Students are already familiar with the basic concept of living and non-living things from earlier lessons.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Poster showing the mnemonic “MR NIGER DAC”
• Picture cards of animals, plants, and non-living objects
• Chart illustrating the characteristics of living things

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students have already learned the definitions of living and non-living things. This lesson will deepen their understanding by focusing on the specific characteristics of living things.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical thinking
• Observation
• Communication
• Problem-solving

Learning Materials:

• Poster or chart of “MR NIGER DAC”
• Pictures or real samples of plants, animals, and non-living objects

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Basic Science Textbook for JSS 1

Instructional Materials:

• Charts
• Pictures of animals, plants, and non-living things
• Flashcards with examples of living and non-living things

Content:

1. Characteristics of Living Things (MR NIGER DAC):
   • M: Movement – Living things can move on their own.
   • R: Respiration – They breathe to release energy from food.
   • N: Nutrition – They need food for energy and growth.
   • I: Irritability – They respond to changes in their environment.
   • G: Growth – They increase in size and complexity over time.
   • E: Excretion – They remove waste products from their bodies.
   • R: Reproduction – They produce offspring to continue their species.
   • D: Death – All living things eventually die.
   • A: Adaptation – They change and adjust to their surroundings to survive.
   • C: Competition – They compete for resources like food, water, and space.
2. Characteristics of Non-Living Things:
   • Non-living things do not move, grow, or reproduce.
   • They do not respond to the environment or need food or water.
   • Examples include stones, chairs, cars, and water.
3. Examples of Living Things:
   • Plants: Mango tree, grass, hibiscus.
   • Animals: Dog, cat, lion.
4. Importance of Plants and Animals:
   • Plants: Provide food, oxygen, and shelter.
   • Animals: Provide food, companionship, and help in transportation.

Evaluation:

Fill in the blanks with the correct option:

1. Living things can move on their own. This is called _______.
   a) Growth
   b) Movement
   c) Nutrition
   d) Excretion
2. Plants and animals breathe to release energy. This process is called _______.
   a) Respiration
   b) Nutrition
   c) Excretion
   d) Irritability
3. The process of getting food for energy is known as _______.
   a) Growth
   b) Respiration
   c) Nutrition
   d) Movement
4. Living things respond to their environment. This characteristic is called _______.
   a) Irritability
   b) Adaptation
   c) Reproduction
   d) Excretion
5. The increase in size and complexity of living things is known as _______.
   a) Movement
   b) Growth
   c) Respiration
   d) Death
6. The process of removing waste from the body is called _______.
   a) Excretion
   b) Growth
   c) Movement
   d) Respiration
7. Living things produce offspring through _______.
   a) Irritability
   b) Growth
   c) Excretion
   d) Reproduction
8. All living things eventually _______.
   a) Die
   b) Reproduce
   c) Move
   d) Grow
9. Living things adapt to their environment through _______.
   a) Irritability
   b) Competition
   c) Adaptation
   d) Death
10. Living things compete for resources like food, water, and _______.
    a) Light
    b) Space
    c) Shelter
    d) All of the above

Class Activity Discussion:

1. What is movement in living things?
2. Name two living things that show respiration.
3. How do living things get their food?
4. What is irritability?
5. Why do living things grow?
6. Give one example of a living thing that reproduces.
7. How do living things remove waste from their bodies?
8. What happens to all living things in the end?
9. How do animals adapt to their surroundings?
10. What do living things compete for in the environment?

Presentation:

• Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic, which was on the definition and classification of living and non-living things.
• Step 2: The teacher introduces the characteristics of living things using the mnemonic “MR NIGER DAC.” The teacher also discusses the importance of plants and animals.
• Step 3: The teacher allows students to give examples of living and non-living things, contributing to the discussion of their characteristics.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Explain the characteristics of living things using “MR NIGER DAC.”
• Discuss examples of living and non-living things, highlighting the differences.
• Guide the discussion on the importance of plants and animals.

Learners’ Activities:

• Listen attentively and take notes.
• Participate in class discussions by giving examples of living and non-living things.
• Answer questions during the lesson.

Assessment:

Evaluation Questions:

1. What does “MR NIGER DAC” stand for?
2. List three characteristics of living things.
3. Name one living thing that grows.
4. Give two examples of non-living things.
5. What is the importance of plants?
6. Why do animals move?
7. What is reproduction?
8. Name one living thing that competes for food.
9. How do plants adapt to their environment?
10. Explain the difference between living and non-living things.

Conclusion:

The teacher goes around to mark the students’ work and provide feedback.

More Useful Links

• Living and Non-Living Things Basic Science JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 1
• Basic Science JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes