Living things include microbes, plants, and animals. They live on the land, lakes, rivers, and seas. All are very different but all are alive. All can perform some common features called Seven Vital Functions. The characteristics of living things are the essential features that define life and differentiate living organisms from non-living matter. These characteristics include movement, respiration, nutrition, sensitivity, reproduction, growth, and excretory.
Secondary 1 students learned the seven characteristics of living things by first gaining as much information from the article shared. Then, they were put in groups to discuss each characteristic they found. One person became the speaker to explain the result of the discussion to their friends. While other groups could add information or ask about the content. Ultimately, they made a mind map as a recalling tool to organize their understanding.
In this activity, students were given chances to learn independently before confirming the content. This is a good stimulation for students to cultivate the ability to think critically and analyze information on their own. Further, students are more familiar with the process of decision making, problem-solving and understanding complex issues. The students were enthusiastic during the lesson and showed activeness in asking and answering questions given by their friends or teacher. ***
