Cells as the Basic Unit of Life

Free to teach as-is — the teacher guide, student handout, and slides are included.

Free — we'll email you an access link. Google Docs format.

Objective

I can explain how all living organisms are made of one or more cells that come from pre-existing cells.

Part 1 of 3

Warm-up video

TED-Ed · 6:12Vetted channel

We don't generate video — this one is by TED-Ed on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 3

Practice

7 questions

1

What are the three main parts of the cell theory, and briefly explain each part?

2

Describe the contributions of Robert Hooke to the development of the cell theory. What did he observe, and how did it influence the naming of cells?

Part 3 of 3

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

Describe how the cell theory explains that all living organisms are composed of cells. Provide examples of both unicellular and multicellular organisms to support your explanation. Explain the significance of the statement "all cells come from pre-existing cells" in the context of the cell theory. How does this concept relate to the process of cell division?

Sample answer included in the free materials

Get the materials

Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

  • Teacher Guide

    Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities

  • Student Handout

    Printable worksheet

  • Slides

    Ready to present

We'll ask for your email to send your access link — nothing else.

Teaching a group at a different level?

Where are your students right now? We'll rebuild this lesson to match — including the teacher guide, student handout, and slides, saved to your Google Drive.

Adapt This Lesson