5.1 Hierarchy 1
❊Science Matters
Hierarchy
Lesson Concept Living things demonstrate a hierarchy of structure from cells to
tissues to organs to organ systems to organism.
Link This is the first lesson in the unit.
Time 45 minutes
Materials Whole class
1 Set of hierarchy necklaces (see advance preparation, R1)
Yarn for necklaces
Single hole-puncher
Per Groups of 4 students
3-4 Pictures of living things (e.g., plant, tree, horse, puppy, human)
Person Lego model (see advance preparation)
Partners
Hierarchy card sets (see advance preparation, R2)
Hierarchy reading (R3)
Individual
1 3 x 5 exit card or sticky note
Advance
Preparation 1. Build (don’t use a prefabricated lego person) a lego model (2-3
inches high) of a person for each group
2. Make a building block necklace for the class. Duplicate the
hierarchy cards (R1). Hole punch each card and thread yarn
through it to make one necklace for each card. Consider
laminating the set for future use.
3. Print pictures of living things for each group.
4. Duplicate and cut hierarchy card (R2) sets so that half of the
partner groups have the circulatory set and half of the partner
groups have the digestive set. Consider laminating the set for
future use.
5. Duplicate the hierarchy chart (R3) for each set of partners.
