Living & Nonliving Sorting Cards – Science Foundations Unit 1

Help young learners explore the difference between living and nonliving things with this hands-on science sorting and classification resource.

Designed for children ages 3–6, this 16-page printable activity pack introduces early scientific thinking through realistic watercolour picture cards, simple definitions, guided discussions and practical sorting activities.

Children observe familiar animals, plants and everyday objects, classify them as living or nonliving, and begin explaining their choices using simple scientific language.

What's Included

• 24 picture cards – 12 living and 12 nonliving examples

• Living and nonliving sorting labels

• Child-friendly definition cards

• Living and nonliving reference chart

• Blank sorting mat

• Completed control mat / answer reference

• Parent and teacher guidance

• Suggested picture pairings and discussion prompts

• Drawing and classification activities

Learning Objectives

Children practise:

• Identifying living and nonliving things

• Observing and comparing pictures

• Sorting objects into categories

• Recognising that living things use energy and carry out life processes

• Understanding that movement alone does not mean something is alive

• Using simple scientific vocabulary

• Explaining their answers through discussion

How to Use

Begin with six familiar picture cards and introduce the terms living and nonliving.

Invite children to examine each picture and place it into the correct category on the sorting mat. Gradually introduce more cards as their understanding develops.

Use the completed control mat to check answers and encourage children to explain their decisions.

The accompanying discussion questions and worksheets offer opportunities to revisit and reinforce learning.

Suitable For

• Preschool and kindergarten science

• Early years classrooms

• Montessori-inspired learning

• Homeschool and home education

• Science centres and small-group activities

• Hands-on classification and vocabulary practice

Product Information

Format: Printable PDF

Pages: 16

Paper size: A4

Age range: 3–6 years

Preparation: Print, cut and optionally laminate reusable cards.

This resource uses international scientific terminology and can support both UK and US learners. US customers printing on Letter paper should use a consistent fit-to-page setting for the cards and sorting mats.

Please note: Part of the KOJI PATH Science Foundations collection — a growing series of hands-on resources designed to introduce children to early scientific concepts through observation, classification and discussion.

TERMS OF USE
This resource is for personal, homeschool, classroom and single educator use only. You may not resell, redistribute, share, upload, copy or claim this resource as your own.

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