Engage your middle and high school students in scientific reasoning with this hands-on, thought-provoking activity that explores the 8 characteristics of life. In Is it Alive?, students analyze a fire, virus, robot, and seed to determine which are truly living using a scientific checklist. This resource promotes critical thinking, real-world application, and NGSS-aligned biological literacy—perfect for introducing or reviewing the concept of life. Standards Alignment: NGSS MS-LS1-1: Conduct an