**Lesson Plan: Basic Science and Technology (Junior Secondary 1)**
**Topic: Living and Non-Living Things IV**
**Duration:** 60 minutes
### Objectives:
- Students will be able to differentiate between living and non-living things based on their characteristics.
- Students will classify objects in their environment as living or non-living.
- Students will understand the importance of living things in different ecosystems.
### Materials Needed:
- Whiteboard and markers
- Pictures of various living and non-living things
- Worksheets with classification tables
- A chart showing characteristics of living things (such as growth, reproduction, response to stimuli, metabolism)
- Samples of objects (e.g., rock, plant, insect, paper)
- Magnifying glass (optional)
### Lesson Structure:
**1. Introduction (10 minutes)**
- Greet the students and briefly review the previous lesson about living and non-living things.
- Introduce the topic: "Living and Non-Living Things IV" and explain that today's lesson will focus on understanding and identifying characteristics of living and non-living things.
- Show a video (if possible) or a series of pictures of various living and non-living things.
**2. Direct Instruction (15 minutes)**
- Use the whiteboard to outline the main characteristics of living things: growth, reproduction, metabolism, response to stimuli, and cell structure.
- Discuss each characteristic in detail with examples (e.g., plants grow towards light, animals respond to their environment).
- Highlight the absence of these characteristics in non-living things (e.g., a rock does not grow or reproduce).
**3. Guided Practice (15 minutes)**
- Divide the students into small groups and provide each group with pictures and samples of various objects.
- Ask each group to classify the objects into living and non-living categories using the characteristics discussed.
- Walk around the classroom to assist and guide the groups as needed.
**4. Group Activity and Discussion (10 minutes)**
- After the classification activity, bring the class together and allow each group to present their findings.
- Discuss any discrepancies and allow other groups to add their insights.
- Summarize the key points of the discussion, emphasizing that living things have certain characteristics that non-living things do not.
**5. Independent Practice (5 minutes)**
- Distribute a worksheet that includes various objects and ask students to individually classify them as living or non-living.
- Include a few trickier examples to challenge the students' understanding.
**6. Conclusion (5 minutes)**
- Recap the main points of the lesson: characteristics of living things, how to differentiate between living and non-living things, and the role of living things in ecosystems.
- Answer any remaining questions from the students.
**7. Homework Assignment:**
- Ask students to observe their surroundings at home and make a list of 10 living and 10 non-living things. They should use the characteristics discussed in class to justify their classifications.
**Assessment:**
- Evaluate students based on their participation in the group activity and their performance on the worksheet.
- Review the homework assignment for understanding and accuracy.
### Adaptations for Diverse Learners:
- Provide visual aids and hands-on materials to cater to different learning styles.
- Offer extra help for students who may have difficulties with the concepts.
- Pair up students so they can help each other succeed in the activities.
### Reflection:
- After the lesson, reflect on what worked well and what could be improved.
- Note students who may need additional support and plan for follow-up sessions as necessary.