Survival Needs Chart

Survival Needs

20 minutes
Whole class
Discussion

Learning Objective

Identify survival needs of plants and animals using visual organization

Materials Needed

  • Large chart paper with headings: 'Water', 'Food', 'Shelter', 'Air'
  • Picture cards of local plants and animals
  • Glue sticks
  • Markers
  • Real examples (water, food items)

Preparation

  1. 1Create large chart with four columns
  2. 2Prepare picture cards of familiar local plants and animals
  3. 3Review what 'survive' means in simple terms
  4. 4Have real examples to show

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1Review what 'survive' means: 'staying alive and healthy'
  2. 2Show the chart headings and explain each need
  3. 3Hold up picture cards one at a time
  4. 4Ask: 'What does this plant/animal need to survive?'
  5. 5Children help place cards under correct headings (some may go under multiple)
  6. 6Discuss similarities and differences between plants' and animals' needs

Assessment

  • Can the child identify basic survival needs?
  • Does the child understand that all living things have needs?
  • Can the child compare plant and animal needs?

Extensions

  • Compare wild vs. farm animals' needs
  • Create individual survival needs books
  • Act out different survival needs
  • Discuss how humans help animals meet their needs

Teaching Tips

  • Use concrete examples children can relate to
  • Connect to children's own needs (food, water, home)
  • Keep discussion interactive and engaging
  • Accept that some items fit in multiple categories