Wanted+Dead+or+Alive!

Activity One So you think it's easy to distinguish the living from the non-living, do you? Maybe it is and maybe it isn't.... 1. Take this [|quiz] and see if you know as much as you think you do! Be sure to write down the object and your answer next to it.

2. Perhaps [|now] would be a good time to learn the differences between the two.

3. Read your list again and make any necessary changes.

Activity Two 1. Now make a list of the [|seven characteristics of living things]. Be sure to fully explain why each characteristic is shared by all living things. Use the information from all the above websites to complete your list. 2. Your teacher will give you a Venn diagram to complete. Brainstorm with your partner to complete this activity. Activity Three Your teacher will show a video called "The World of Living Things." 1. Answer the following questions:
 * Did this video present new information that you did not know before? Explain.
 * What characteristics presented in this video are different from those you listed above?
 * Add these to your list with an explanation of each one.



2. What about [|viruses]? How do they fit into the living/nonliving world? Write a paragraph explaining:
 * whether you think viruses are living or nonliving.
 * which characteristics of life do not apply to them.
 * how viruses reproduce.
 * what happens to the host cell.
 * why a viral infection is so difficult to cure.
 * whether scientists believe a virus is a living thing.

Activity Four Open your textbook to page 16 and read to page 20. Answer the section review questions (yes, all five) on page 20. There are two words that you need to understand before reading:
 * Organism: An organism is a living thing that is composed of one or more cells and carries on its life processes through those cells.
 * Homeostasis: All living things can only exist within a narrow range of internal conditions. When an organism stays within the normal range of conditions (temperature, pH, amount of water and nutrients, etc.) it is maintaining its internal stability or homeostasis.

Extra Credit Opportunity: Write a one-page paper that meets the following criteria:
 * Due Friday, August 13, 2010**
 * whether [|corals] are living or nonliving.
 * your rationale for determining its status.
 * general information about coral reefs.
 * their importance of coral to ocean ecosystems.
 * your paper should be titled and should be in paragraph form. (10 points)



Activity Five  Test August 13, 2010