LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Goal 6

The learner will conduct investigations, use models, simulations, and appropriate technologies and information systems to build an understanding of cell theory.

Objective 6.01

Describe cell theory:

  • All living things are composed of cells.
  • Cells provide structure and carry on major functions to sustain life.
  • Some organisms are single cell; other organisms, including humans, are multi-cellular.
  • Cell function is similar in all living things.

Resources aligned to this objective

Cell theory and plant respiration
In CareerStart lessons: Grade eight, page 5.4
In this lesson, students conduct an experiment using plants to gain an understanding on the effects of sunlight on cell processes.
Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Science)
By Tammy Johnson and Martha Tedrow.

Resources on the web

Vanilla medicine
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about how a modified form of vanilla may someday help treat sickle-cell disease. (Learn more)
Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 8 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Smallest thing
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about the challenge of selecting the smallest living creature, based on how we define such an organism. (Learn more)
Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 8 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Monkey brains
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about the discovery that our brains add new cells as we get older. (Learn more)
Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 8–11 Science and Social Studies)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Make a model cell
Students compare a plant and animal cell and then make a model of a cell. They will select items to represent various cell structures and justify their choices by describing how the items they have chosen represent the actual parts of a cell. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
LIFE: From diversity to DNA
A collection of four units for seventh and eighth grade science covering human body systems, genetics, cells, and microbes and disease. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 7–8 Science)
Provided by: Kenan Fellows for Curriculum and Leadership Development
The cell as a system
In this Science NetLinks lesson, students will begin to understand the cell as a system by exploring a more familiar and tangible example of a system — a factory. Throughout the lesson, students will compare the factory to a cell, beginning to understand... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science