MYSTERY SUBSTANCES- WHICH IS ALIVE?

We started our unit on "Collecting and Examining Life" by observing 2 substances in order to determine which of them may be alive.  Our first grade scientists closely examined the materials, and made their predictions.  
I told the students that one of the substances will grow in salt water, so we set up an experiment.  We prepared jars of salt water and put the contents of substance "A" in one jar and substance "B" in the other.  

After a few days, look what we discovered!!!!

These tiny creatures are Brine Shrimp!!!!!

 
Once the excitement subsided, we discussed some of the characteristics of living things.  Some of the ideas our young scientists shared: All living things need food and water, living things breathe (Brine shrimp use gills), living things grow and change, they have babies, and living things move and respond to the world around them.
 
WHAT AN EXCITING SCIENCE LESSON!!!!!!!!!!