Cells are the basic units of living things and have specialised structures and functions

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and detailed method including images on how to prepare animal and plant cell slides.

Australian Curriculum v9 Codes: AC9S8U01 (Year 8), AC9S8U02 (Year 8)

This Connected Learning Experience explores how cell specialisation helps animals survive.

In this investigation, the specialised structures and functions of cells in the tongue are explored to determine how this organ helps animals survive.

Claims regarding the taste map of the tongue, published in 1901, are evaluated through planning and conducting experiments, processing, analysing and evaluating the data.

Learning intentions

Students will be able to:

This online resource investigates cells and organs.

The resource is an inquiry-based learning sequence that covers the characteristics of life, cells, microscopes, cell organelles, tissues, organs and body systems.

It includes hands-on activities, digital interactives, animations and videos, and students learn to table and graph results and produce scientific drawings and also undertake dissections of squid and celery plants.

A teacher guide, activity sheets and assessment are also available.

This video deals with how the immune system fights diseases.

This TED Ed video (3:58min) describes the function of cellular organelles and how they work together to allow a cell to fight a virus.

Aimed at slightly older students, this material is within the range of advanced Year 8 students (it mentions mRNA and enzymes very briefly), or it could be used as a summary of organelle functions.

Australian Curriculum v9 Codes: AC9S8U01 (Year 8), AC9S8U02 (Year 8)