Cell Theory

Performance Expectation

MS-LS1-1: Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells; either one cell or many different numbers and types of cells.

In Student-Friendly Words...

I can investigate living things to gather evidence that all living things are made of one or more cells.

Big Ideas

All living things are made of one or more cells.
Cells are the basic unit of life.
Some organisms are unicellular, while others are multicellular.
Scientists use evidence and investigations to support Cell Theory.

Interactive Learning

Watch & Learn

The wacky history of cell theory

How Small is a Cell?

Seeing the Invisible: van Leeuwenhoek's first glimpses of the microbial world

Characteristics of Life

Award-Winning Footage Of The Microsopic World Around Us

Timelapse of Onion Cell Organelles

Ear Worms

Cell Theory Song

Cell Theory Rap

Real-World Connection

Your Body

Every part of your body is made of cells, from your skin and muscles to your brain.

Getting Sick

Understanding cells helps scientists figure out what happens when cells become infected, damaged, or stop working properly.

Medicine

Many medicines work by affecting specific cells or processes inside cells.

Future Careers

Doctors, nurses, veterinarians, scientists, and many other careers rely on understanding how cells work.

Take It Further

Living or Nonliving?

Choose 10 objects around your home or school. Decide whether each one is living or nonliving, and explain what evidence supports your decision.

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