How Does It Help?

How do nonliving things help plants and animals stay alive? In this worksheet, students will identify how water, sun, dirt, and a cave meet the needs of four different organisms. A word bank is provided to guide learners’ efforts. Then, young scientists will identify one nonliving thing they need and explain how it helps them.

Geared towards first graders, this worksheet introduces students to how living things interact with their environments. Plants and animals rely on their habitats to meet their needs, though the specific needs of each organism may be different! Having a strong understanding of this concept can prepare students to analyze different ecosystems and habitats, as well as the interactions between other living and nonliving things.

For more life science practice, try Living and Nonliving Things and Spotting Living Things.