Cells: Totally Cellular

Summary
An introduction to types of cells, their key parts, and their importance in the organization of organisms.

Objectives
• Students will be able to name and state a function of several different cell types.

• Students will be able to describe structures that are found in all cells.

• Students will be able to match the description of an organelle with its name.

• Students will understand the key differences between plant and animal cells.

• Students will become aware of the importance of cells and what can result when they are not functioning correctly.

Suggested Grades
4th Grade
5th Grade
6th Grade

Excerpt
All living things are made of cells. A simple organism like an amoeba is just one cell, while complex organisms like humans are made of trillions of cells. We have hundreds of different types of cells in our bodies that we need in order to live. Cells of the same kind work together in our body as tissues, organs, and systems to make up an entire person! Each kind of cell has a job to do. Your outer layer of skin is made up of flat, scaly cells called epithelial cells. You are constantly making new skin cells as the old ones die and fall off. Your body needs these cells for protection and waterproofing. In your blood, you have special red blood cells that carry oxygen to your muscles. In your brain, you have neurons, which are cells that can send messages to one another, allowing you to learn and respond to your environment.

Cells are the basis for organization in all living things. Every cell is surrounded by a cell membrane. This keeps a cell separate from other cells or fluid around it.

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