Organisms (1st grade)

This hands-on experiences that help students develop an understanding of and sensitivity to living things. Students create and maintain a woodland habitat containing pine seedlings, moss, pill bugs, and Bess beetles or millipedes. They also set up and observe a freshwater habitat into which they introduce elodea and cabomba plants, pond snails, and guppies. With both plants and animals in each habitat, students have the opportunity to observe how these organisms coexist. Through studying the needs and characteristics of a variety of organisms, the students are able to draw conclusions about how plants and animals are similar and different. In a final lesson, students apply to humans what they have learned about organisms, exploring how human beings are similar to and different from other living things.

Interactive Activities for the Organisms unit (Plants)

Movie clip on Plants for the Organisms unit

Additional Photos

Parent Letter - English

Parent Letter - Spanish

Organisms Storyline (pdf)

Living Materials Information & Care Sheets

Literacy / Book Lists

Teacher Recommended Resources

Recommended Websites

Unit Certificate
Acknowledge your student's accomplishment in completing this unit with our completion certificate.  We hope they enjoyed learning about science through The Einstein Project's hands-on approach!

Sponsorship Opportunity

Sponsor the Organisms unit! Please contact Lori Kaufman, development director, about this and other sponsorship opportunities. You can reach her at 920-884-8800 or lori@einsteinproject.org.

What are people saying about the Organisms Einstein science unit?

"I love the kit! My students learn so much with the critters!"
--Brenda Osell, Grade K teacher at Luther Elementary School, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

"The students love all the hands on activities."
--Susan Wavrunek, Grade 1 teacher at Eisenhower Elementary School, Green Bay, Wisconsin

"The children loved the hands on aspects. Real learning took place."
--Nancy Taylor, Grade 1 teacher at Howe Elementary School, Green Bay, Wisconsin