This document provides instructions for a group science project to research and define the six basic characteristics of living things. Students are asked to use library resources to define each characteristic in the first part. In the second part, students must choose three of the six characteristics and represent each using a different format such as a poster, cartoon, graphic organizer, song, poem or comic strip. The goal is to gain understanding of what defines life.

1. Characteristics of Living Things-Library Research Activity-Taylor-Science-Fall 2009
Group Members:________________________________________________________________________
Total Possible Points: 30
*The goal of this activity is to identify the 6 basic characteristics of life and gain a
working knowledge of the characteristics.
Part 1: In your groups use the internet, textbook or other library resources to define (a
useable, understandable definition) the 6 characteristics of life. (5 pts)
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Part 2: Using the large sheets of butcher paper that are provided, along with the markers
and other supplies provided, choose 3 of the 6 characteristics of life to make either: a
poster, a cartoon, a graphic organizer, a song, a poem, or a comic strip explaining or
representing what that characteristic means. RULE: you must choose three different

2. methods to represent your characteristics. Get creative! Don’t be afraid to think
outside the box (5 points each+ 10 creativity/neatness points for a total of 25 points) 