How can I sort objects into dead, living and non-living?

What is dead, living and non-living?

The environment around us is full of dead, living and non-living things.

Trees and animals are living things.

Dry leaves on the ground are dead, but they were once part of a living tree. The bones of a dead animal were also once part of a living thing.

A non-living thing has never been alive. It does not show any of the characteristics of living things. Non-living things are not alive so they do not need food, water or air. These include; water, rocks, weather, fire, and metal.

Watch: Is it alive, dead or non-living?

Did you know?

Fossils are dead, but were once alive. Most fossils that are discovered are from creatures that were alive many millions of years ago, but fossils can be made of creatures that were alive more recently.

Fossils are useful to scientists and historians as they can help us to learn more about animals and plants that lived a long time ago.

Dead, living and non-living

Fascinating facts

• Several animal species have shown signs of grief when another dies, such as elephants, dolphins and chimpanzees.

• All living things, including plants and animals, can move.

• Some non-living things can also move, like wind and water.

• The ancient Egyptians used to mummify their dead and place them in brightly coloured sarcophaguses (a sort of coffin).

• In autumn as the weather becomes colder, trees leaves go from living to dead, changing colour from green to red or orange, and falling to the ground.

• Some frogs, like the wood frog, can tolerate their blood and other tissues freezing whilst still being alive.

Important words

Dead – Any animal or plant that was living but is no longer alive.

Grief – A natural response to losing something.

Growth – An increase in the size and mass of any living thing.

Living – Anything currently alive, like animals and plants.

Movement – The way that a living thing moves or changes position.

Non-living – Any material, like metal, plastic or stone, that hasn't at any point been alive.

Nutrition – Food that helps an animal or plant grow.

Respiration – The process of breathing. This can only be done by living things.

Reproduction – The way that a living thing creates offspring and babies.

Activities

Activity 1 – Objects which are dead, living and non-living

Explore the picture below by clicking on the different objects.

Activity 2 – Find the dead, living or non-living objects

Activity 3 – Dead, alive or non-living quiz

Activity 4 – Sort the objects