Year 7 Science · Unit 1 · Lesson 01
Foundation Worksheet
Learning Goals
Fill the gap
Choose the correct word from the word bank to complete the paragraph below. Each word is used once. Two words in the bank are not needed — cross them out when you find them.
Scientists use a checklist of seven characteristics to decide whether something is alive. The acronym MRS GREN helps us remember them. The M stands for , which means an organism can shift part or all of its body — even plants do this slowly when they bend toward light. The R stands for , a chemical reaction inside that releases energy from food. This is different from , which is just moving air in and out of your lungs. The S stands for , which means detecting and reacting to a change in the surroundings. The G stands for , meaning the organism gets bigger or more complex over time. The second R stands for — making new copies of the same species. The E stands for , removing waste chemicals made by the body. Finally, the N stands for , taking in food or making it using sunlight. An organism must show all seven to be classed as alive.
True or False? Fix the false ones
Circle T or F for each statement. If the statement is false, rewrite it correctly on the line below.
Fire is alive because it moves, grows, and uses fuel for energy.
Correct it:
All living things are made of at least one cell.
Correct it:
Viruses are definitely alive because they can reproduce inside a host cell.
Correct it:
A fallen gum leaf is classified as dead, not non-living, because it was once part of a living tree.
Correct it:
Plants are not alive because they cannot move from place to place.
Correct it:
1. Name any two characteristics from MRS GREN. For each one, give a specific example from a real Australian animal or plant.
2. Explain the difference between a "dead" thing and a "non-living" thing. Give one example of each.
Wrap Up
In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?