Lesson 2 of 10
🌿 Living & Non-Living Things
What You'll Learn
- List the 7 characteristics of living things
- Sort objects into living and non-living categories
- Understand why viruses and fire are tricky edge cases
The 7 Characteristics of Life
Scientists say something is alive if it shows all seven of these characteristics. Remember them with MRS GREN:
- 🌿 Movement — living things move (even plants move slowly)
- 🥊 Respiration — living things release energy from food
- 👁 Sensitivity — living things respond to their environment
- 🌿 Growth — living things grow and change
- 🔁 Reproduction — living things make more of themselves
- 😋 Excretion — living things get rid of waste
- 🍜 Nutrition — living things take in food or energy
Tricky Cases
Fire grows, moves, and needs oxygen — but it can't reproduce by itself or respond to stimuli the way living things do. Viruses reproduce but can't do it alone. Scientists debate the edges of "life" all the time!
🧬 Virtual Lab: Sort It Out!
Click each card to classify it as Living or Non-Living. You get instant feedback!
Quick Check
What does MRS GREN stand for?
A rock grows crystals over millions of years. Is a rock living?