Comparing Plants & Animals Venn Diagram Worksheet is a simple yet effective tool for developing students’ understanding of the needs of living things. Using a familiar Venn diagram format, this worksheet supports learners as they identify similarities and differences between plants and animals, encouraging critical thinking, observation and categorisation skills.

Designed for Foundation and lower primary students, this resource links closely with the Biological Sciences strand and supports early learning about the characteristics of living organisms. By comparing features such as food, water, sunlight, shelter and air, students begin to recognise both the diversity and commonalities of life. It promotes not only science understanding but also visual literacy as students record their ideas using drawings and written descriptions. This task is ideal for small group exploration, individual work or as a follow-up to nature-based investigations and science discussions.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Identify the basic needs of living things, including food, water, sunlight, air and shelter
• ✅ Compare and contrast the needs of plants and animals using a Venn diagram
• ✅ Categorise information visually and support understanding through drawing or writing
• ✅ Use science vocabulary to discuss shared and unique features of organisms
• ✅ Build confidence in discussing observations using structured templates

What’s Included:

• Printable Venn diagram worksheet for individual or small group use
• Clear layout with labelled spaces for plant needs, animal needs and shared needs
• Black and white format for easy classroom photocopying and student personalisation
• Simple line-art design to support colouring or illustrations

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheet for each student
• Pencils, coloured markers or crayons
• Science books, anchor charts or classroom visuals (optional for support)

How to Use:

• Begin with a class discussion or video exploring how plants and animals meet their basic needs
• Model how to use a Venn diagram with familiar concepts (e.g., indoor vs outdoor activities)
• Brainstorm a list of living needs together and colour-code them by category: plants, animals or both
• Students write or draw examples in the outer sections for features unique to each group
• Record shared needs such as water, air or sunlight in the overlapping section

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use after a class nature walk or science investigation to reinforce student observations
• 💡 Create a large class Venn diagram on the board as a shared model before students complete their own
• 💡 Invite students to write simple comparison sentences or mini-reports using the completed diagrams
• 💡 Display diagrams as part of a classroom science wall or portfolio collection

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Let students personalise their diagrams by adding drawings of real-life plants and animals
• 💛 Select this activity to follow hands-on experiments, outdoor observations or guided research
• 💛 Send a copy home for students to complete with their families using items or pets from their own environment

Comparing Plants & Animals Venn Diagram Worksheet offers a clear and accessible way for students to explore how living things are both alike and different. By combining science content with structured thinking and communication, this resource builds foundational understanding while supporting cross-curricular learning in an engaging and age-appropriate format.