Characteristics of Life Biology Debate Activity

Is fire alive? What about viruses, artificial intelligence, or crystals? Have your students been struggling with remembering the Characteristics of Living Things? Or are they simply curious and asking lots of really good questions about items like rocks, water and even AI? Looking to foster some healthy questions and critical thinking in your Biology or General Science class?

In this engaging and thought-provoking activity, students take on the role prosecutor or defendant as they read a basic case file on a subject, as well as conduct their own 'research investigation' and debate to determine whether questionable subjects meet the scientific criteria for life.

Using evidence-based reasoning and the seven characteristics of living things, students construct and present arguments, all while critically analyze whether each subject is truly “alive.”

What's Included

• PDF with instructions and 6 case files, with Pro and Con sheets!
• Scaffolded options to include a research component or not!
• Rubric for both Group and Individual Grading Options
• Links to classroom freebies and additional resource suggestions

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