Living THings

• Science
• 3rd Grade

What are Organisms?

Traits of Organisms

Which of these are organisms? (living things)

1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 

Which is the best definition of organism?

1. a living thing
2. an animal
3. a part of the body
4. something that uses energy

Organism

Not an Organism

Organisms can reproduce, but nonliving things cannot. When an organism reproduces, it makes more of the same kind of organism. A cat reproduces when it gives birth to kittens. A dandelion reproduces when it scatters its seeds.

Organisms can reproduce, but nonliving things cannot. When an organism reproduces, it makes more of the same kind of organism. A cat reproduces when it gives birth to kittens. A dandelion reproduces when it scatters its seeds.

Organisms are able to make more of their own kind. This is one trait that sets them apart from nonliving things.

Which of these things does NOT reproduce?

1. a sea lion
2. water
3. a maple tree
4. a lamp

Can a cat give birth to a panda?

All organisms use energy. Sometimes, it is easy to see how an organism uses energy. For example, a flying eagle uses energy to move.

Other times, it is more difficult to see that an organism is using any energy at all. Plants use energy to grow even though they do not move. All living things need energy to grow and change.

Some activities take more energy than others, but they all require energy.

What is this organism using energy to do?

1. eat
2. fly
3. breathe
4. reproduce

What is this organism using energy to do?

1. eat
2. sleep
3. breathe
4. grow

Least amount of energy

greatest amount 

of energy

Sort these actions by how much energy they take

All organisms react to their environment. Think about what your body does in the cold. You begin to shiver. Your teeth may chatter. These are ways that your body reacts to the environment.

Different organisms react to the environment in different ways. When it is hot out, humans sweat to cool down. Dogs cannot sweat, however. They pant in order to stay cool.

Both the person and the dog are reacting to a hot day, but they react to it in different ways

Organisms are part of each other's environment. In the picture below, the cat, mouse, and grass are all part of the same environment. Find out how the cat and the mouse react to each other.

HOW DO MOST TREES RESPOND TO THEIR ENVIRONMENT TO PREPARE FOR WINTER?

1. Trees lose their leaves
2. trees do not react to winter
3. trees begin to grow new leaves
4. trees change the shape of their leaves

Organisms are part of each other's environment. In the picture below, the cat, mouse, and grass are all part of the same environment. Find out how the cat and the mouse react to each other.

What is an organism?

1. a living thing
2. a non living thing
3. a part of the body
4. something that uses energy

Which of these is NOT an organism?

1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 

What is the fish using energy to do?

1. grow
2. eat
3. swim
4. laying eggs

Organisms are living things. All organisms have the following traits:

• Organisms can reproduce, or make more of the same kind of organism.
• 
  
• Organisms use energy to grow and change.
• 
  
• Organisms react to their environment.

Which of these are NOT using energy?

1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 

Many flowers, like these lotus blossoms, open during the day and close during the night. Which traits of an organism does this show?

1. organisms react to their environments
2. organisms sleep
3. organisms use energy to grow and change
4. organisms reproduce

What is this organism using energy to do?

1. breathe
2. grow
3. read
4. all of the above