The needs of living things | Science student learning resource | Field of Mars EEC
Resource overview
The needs of living things is an Early Stage 1 science learning resource from Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre that introduces what plants and animals need to survive—air, water, food and shelter. Using short videos, hands-on investigations, nature walks and creative tasks, students observe living things locally and describe how their needs are met; the lessons can be taught as a complete sequence or alongside the Teddy bears picnic excursion.
Learning intention
- We are learning about the needs of living things.
Lesson 1 - The needs of people
Students learn about the basic needs of people – food, water, air and shelter – and explore everyday examples of how we meet these needs at home and outdoors.
Lesson 2 - The needs of animals
Students investigate what animals need to stay alive and examine how different habitats provide food, water, air and shelter.
Lesson 3 - The needs of plants
Students explore what plants require to survive, using observation and simple checklists to identify whether plants in their environment are getting their needs met.
Lesson 4 - Going on a teddy bears picnic
Students plan and enjoy a teddy bears’ picnic, identifying the needs of people and practising mindfulness and self-care as part of staying healthy and safe.
Learn with us
Learning resources
Discover more primary learning resources from Field of Mars EEC
Teddy bears picnic excursion
An introduction to outdoor science where students bring a favourite toy on a bush picnic to explore living things, their needs and how to look after the environment.