This semi-empirical research utilises a structured interview interview approach to explore Saudi children's ideas about living things and to examine the effects of iPad use based on a socio-cultural perspective involving group work and discussion. The sample comprised 40 grade 1 children; 20 were empirically taught using iPads according to a socio-cultural perspective, and 20 were taught in the traditional teaching style. The structured interview approach in which children classified 21 cards (7 animals, 7 plants, and 7 artefacts) as living or nonliving things. The results indicated that children had varied misconceptions regarding the classification of and justifications about living things, especially regarding plants. The use of iPads according to a socio-cultural perspective had a positive effect on children's knowledge development. Children in the iPad group performed better in categorising different types of animals and plants and in justifying their views.