Cells
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Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Living things and where they live, where they explored basic biological structures and how organisms are adapted to their environments. It develops their understanding by focusing on the structure and function of cells, the building blocks of all living things, including specialised cell functions. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Human skeleton and muscles, where they will apply their knowledge of cells to understand the organisation of tissues, organs, and systems, highlighting how cellular structures contribute to movement and support.
Prior knowledge requirements
- [Y2] Some processes happen in all living things (and do not happen in things that are dead or have never been alive).
- [Y5] All living things have a life cycle.
- [Y3] Flowering plants are made up of different parts with different functions, including roots, stem/trunk, leaves and flowers.
- [Y4, Y6] Humans are made up of different parts with different functions, including organ systems such as the digestive system and circulatory system.
Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Living things and where they live, where they explored basic biological structures and how organisms are adapted to their environments. It develops their understanding by focusing on the structure and function of cells, the building blocks of all living things, including specialised cell functions. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Human skeleton and muscles, where they will apply their knowledge of cells to understand the organisation of tissues, organs, and systems, highlighting how cellular structures contribute to movement and support.
Prior knowledge requirements
- [Y2] Some processes happen in all living things (and do not happen in things that are dead or have never been alive).
- [Y5] All living things have a life cycle.
- [Y3] Flowering plants are made up of different parts with different functions, including roots, stem/trunk, leaves and flowers.
- [Y4, Y6] Humans are made up of different parts with different functions, including organ systems such as the digestive system and circulatory system.
Biology
Cells
This unit explores cell structures, their functions, and differences between plant and animal cells. It includes adaptations of unicellular organisms and the organisation of multicellular organisms. Skills in using safe techniques, recording data, and evaluating methods in lab work are developed.
7 lessons in unit
slide decks, worksheet PDFs, quizzes and lesson overviews. You can select individual lessons from the Cells unit and download the resources you need, or download the entire unit now. See every unit listed in our secondary science curriculum and discover more of our teaching resources for secondary science programmes.