Characteristics of Life: How do we know when something is alive?
Goal
1) Learn the Scientific Method 2) Identify what characteristics are required for life. 3) Learn Hypothesis format (If, Then, Because)
Steps
Review the Scientific Method
Brainstorm the 7 characteristics
of life
Create a hypothesis
Test your knowledge
Research
Retest
Draw
conclusions
Analysis Questions: (Answer clearly, in complete sentences on the back of this paper.)
1. Were any of your hypothesized characteristics of life right? 2. Which of the characteristics of life were difficult to observe just by looking at the specimens? 3. For one of the specimens and one of the characteristic that were difficult to observe directly describe how you could observe that characteristic if you had enough time and equipment. Design an experiment! 4. Do you think scientists have a set of characteristics of life that they all agree on? Why or why not?