2
Lesson 2 of 84 · Life Cycles
ExperimentWhat Makes Something Alive?
What You'll Learn
All living things share basic characteristics: they grow, reproduce, respond to their environment, and need energy to survive. Plants make their own food through photosynthesis, while animals must eat other organisms.
Key Words
- ecosystem
- producer
Materials Needed
- labels
- seeds
- soil
- cups
- water
- plastic wrap
Safety First
- Wear safety goggles when mixing liquids.
- Wash hands after handling materials.
Steps
Step 1 — Read
Look at the vocabulary words and write a definition for each in your own words.
Step 2 — Do
Create a detailed food web for a local ecosystem. Include at least 8 organisms and use arrows to show energy flow from producers to top predators.
Step 3 — Observe
Watch carefully for any changes and note the time.
Step 4 — Record
Create a data table to organize your measurements.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 3What do plants need to make food through photosynthesis?