Become a Science Explorer! Play this short film (1.46 minutes) to recruit pupils as Science Explorers and introduce them to the Big Question that they will explore during their Science Day or Week – Why are living things the way they are? Link to film: https://bcove.video/2s1KRV9

Living things include… Can anyone give me some examples of different types of living thing? Let pupils suggest ideas. They might suggest humans, any types of plant or animal (including mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, insects, fish), or even bacteria. But why are they all so different?

Why do they look different? We do living things all look different? Examples on this page: Trees look different to help them survive. The main job of a leaf is to make food for the plant or tree. Deciduous trees lose their leaves in autumn to help them survive winter weather conditions. Where the climate is cold most of the year trees often have needles – they don’t shed each autumn so they can capture sunlight all year round. They are a better shape to stop them losing water and they can survive ice and snow.

Why do they behave differently? We do living things all act or behave differently? Examples on this page: Animals have different ways of attracting a mate. Birds like this peacock use their feathers, they fan out their tail feathers into a big display to show the females they are fit and healthy and a good choice. Frogs don’t have feathers, so instead they sing to attract a mate. They take a deep breath, then close their nostrils and mouth. Air flows over the vocal chords, which make the vocal sacs inflate. A strong song tells the females they are a good mate.

Why have they changed over time? Why do living things change over time? – fossils show us that birds look different now to how their ancestors looked millions of years ago. Example on this page: Over 200 million years birds evolved from enormous dinosaurs like the T-Rex. In the process of changing they lost their teeth, their tails and hands, they grew feathers and learnt to fly. Which meant they could catch food in the skies where most animals could not go.

Why are living things the way they are?

Are you ready to be a Science Explorer? We need your help to answer this Big Question. Are you ready to be a Science Explorer?

1. Complete your Science Explorer training To be a Science Explorer like Hanna, you will: observe changes over time find patterns classify and group learn about comparative and fair tests research All Science Explorers need to complete their training to become qualified Science Explorers. The training will check you have the skills you need to answer the big question.

2. Unlock your Class Challenge! When you’re qualified you will receive your Class Challenge. Each class will have a different Class Challenge, looking at a different part of the Big Question in a different way.

3. Report you findings! The more creative the better! You can then report your findings back to the school, in any way you like! And, if we’re lucky we’ll be able to answer the question: Why are living things the way they are?

Let’s go!