Lesson Plan 1: The Building Blocks of Life - Cells (80 minutes)

Learning Objectives:
 Students will be able to define a cell.
 Students will be able to differentiate between plant and animal cells.
 Students will be able to identify the main parts of a plant cell and an animal cell.
Materials:
 Projector and screen
 Whiteboard or markers
 Worksheet with diagrams of plant and animal cells (labeled and unlabeled
versions) (One per student)
 Colored pencils, crayons, or markers (One per student)
 Playdough or modeling clay (Optional)
 Large chart paper (Optional)
 Images of various plant and animal tissues (Optional)
Lesson Procedure:
Introduction (10 minutes):
1. Brainstorming: Begin by asking students what they think of when they hear the
word "life." Write their responses on the board.
2. Introduction to Cells: Explain that all living things are made up of tiny building
blocks called cells. Show a short video or animation about cells (YouTube)
Activity 1: The Mystery of the Missing City (20 minutes):
1. Divide the class into groups.
2. Present a scenario: Imagine a giant city where every building block is alive!
Each building block is a cell, and the city thrives because all the cells work
together. However, a mysterious force has made half the city's buildings
disappear!
3. Distribute worksheets: Each group receives a worksheet with a diagram of
either a plant cell or an animal cell (unlabeled). Challenge them to identify the
missing parts of the city (cell) based on the remaining structures.
 4. Group discussion: After a set time, have each group present their findings to
the class. Discuss the function of each cell part.
Activity 2: Building a Cell Model (20 minutes):
1. Introduce the two main cell types: Explain that there are two main types of
cells: plant cells and animal cells. Briefly introduce the key differences between
them (cell wall, chloroplasts).
2. Model Making: Provide students with playdough or modeling clay and have
them create a model of either a plant cell or an animal cell, depending on their
worksheet from Activity 1.
3. Labeling: Students can use markers or toothpicks with labels to identify the
different parts of their cell model.
Activity 3: Spot the Difference (20 minutes):
1. Distribute new worksheets: Provide worksheets with labeled diagrams of both
plant and animal cells.
2. Comparison Challenge: Have students work individually or in pairs to identify
the differences between the two cell types. They can use a Venn diagram on the
worksheet or create a chart on the board.
3. Class Discussion: Discuss the identified differences and their significance for
each cell type.
Conclusion (10 minutes):
1. Review: Briefly review the key concepts covered in the lesson: what a cell is, the
two main cell types, and their main parts.
2. Exit Ticket: As a formative assessment, have students answer a quick question
or draw a diagram to check their understanding of the lesson.
3. Preview: Briefly mention the concept of specialized cells and how they differ
from the basic plant and animal cell structures. This leads into the next lesson.
Differentiation:
 For advanced students, provide additional information about specific cell
organelles and their functions.
  For students who need more support, offer them a pre-labeled diagram of a cell
during the model-making activity.
 Provide students with different learning materials to cater to various learning
styles, such as images of plant and animal tissues (optional).
Assessment:
 Observe student participation in group activities and discussions.
 Collect and review student worksheets (unlabeled and labeled cell diagrams).
 Analyze exit ticket responses.