Life Science

Life Science!

Life science is one of the two major branches of natural science, the other being physical science. From the smallest microbe to the largest mammal, life science explores the origins, evolution and expansion of life in all its forms. Biology is one of the main components of life science, explaining how our bodies work and why life is the way it is. Studying cells and microscopic organisms can be very interesting to your students because they are essentially learning about their own bodies and how they work, what is going on inside them. Most elementary students don't know exactly what is underneath their skin and once they realize what is really going on, they are amazed. Life science can focus in on a specific organism, but overall, life science is about cells and how life is the way it is. Though most things are clearly alive, sometimes alive things don't actually seem so living. When teaching life science to your students, you can use this as a starting point. This will spark and interest and make them wonder, "How can something that looks like that be alive?" 

To start teaching life science you should begin with explaining what is means to be alive, what is life?  Distinguish the differences between things that are living and things that are nonliving, such as a rock vs a dog. No single characteristic is enough to define what is meant by "life." After this, you can begin to classify the living things. Explain to your students that are are so, so many different living organisms that you must classify them to be able to keep track of all of them. Talk about how plants and animals, although obviously different, are also kind of the same.  Explain how energy flows through not only our bodies, but all living organisms. Your students will love to learn about their own bodies, discuss how many cells each human has, the way your DNA works, and how germs effect your immune system. When teaching life science you must get your students involved, make it as much about themselves as possible, because this is what will keep them interested!