Is It Alive: Indian Corn

After discussing the characteristics of living things, present your students with a cob of Indian corn. 

What do they thing... Living or Non-living?

Let them discuss and without giving away any answers, stick the cob into a large, transparent container filled with dirt. 

Leave the container in a spot where it can be observed on a daily basis and watch what happens.

What do they think now?  Living or Non-living? 

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Is It Living: The Martian and the Car

Images from Webweaver.nu 

There's a fun living/non-living scenario at Biology Corner. 

A quick synopsis:
A martian is sent to Earth to find evidence of life.  He brings back a car.  He's now on trial for not carrying out his duties. 

Have your students take on the roles of Defense Attorney and Prosecuter. 


I worked with a social studies teacher who was very interested in debate and mock trials.  She was always game for teaming up to turn this simple activity into something a little more involved and meaningful for the students.  Maybe you work with someone of a similar personality!

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