Comparison of Plant and Animal Cells

In this lesson we will continue our exploration of living things by taking a close look at animal and plant cells.  We will introduce the basic parts of a cell and how they work together to maintain homeostasis. Students will learn how to use a microscope and prepare slides including the use of stains. We will examine plant (onion and elodea) and animal (their own!) cells under the microscopes.

Standards we may touch upon:

SC.5.L.14.2: Compare and contrast the function of organs and other physical structures of plants and animals, including humans, for example: some animals have skeletons for support – some with internal skeletons others with exoskeletons – while some plants have stems for support.

SC.6.L.14.1: Describe and identify patterns in the hierarchical organization of organisms from atoms to molecules and cells to tissues to organs to organ systems to organisms.

SC.6.L.14.2: Investigate and explain the components of the scientific theory of cells (cell theory): all organisms are composed of cells (single-celled or multi-cellular), all cells come from pre-existing cells, and cells are the basic unit of life.

SC.6.L.14.3: Recognize and explore how cells of all organisms undergo similar processes to maintain homeostasis, including extracting energy from food, getting rid of waste, and reproducing.

SC.6.L.14.4: Compare and contrast the structure and function of major organelles of plant and animal cells, including cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, chloroplasts, mitochondria, and vacuoles.