Science·Organisms & Life Processes·conceptual
What Living Things Need
Understand what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive: water, food, air, and suitable conditions
Suggested ages 5–7
Learning journey
Your child is learning about the amazing diversity of life — identifying different animals and plants, understanding how body parts help animals survive, and discovering what all living things need to stay alive.
Evidence of understanding
- List the basic needs of animals: water, food, air, shelter
- List the basic needs of plants: water, light, air, suitable temperature
- Explain what happens if one basic need is missing (e.g. 'the plant wilts without water')
Assessment prompt
If you ask What Living Things Need what a pet dog or a garden plant needs to stay alive, can they list the basic things like water, food, and air?
Standards alignment
K-LS1-1US · ngss-k5
K-LS1-1
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) K-5
Y2.Sci.A.2GB · uk-nc-2013
Basic needs for survival
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 1
Y2.Sci.P.2GB · uk-nc-2013
Plant needs for growth
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 1