Cells: One or Many

Grade 6 Science Exploring Unicellular and Multicellular Organisms NGSS MS-LS1-1 & MS-LS1-2

Think About It

What is the smallest living thing you can think of? How many cells do you think it has? Can something with just one cell survive on its own?

Learning Target

I can explain the difference between unicellular and multicellular organisms I can describe how cells function in different types of organisms I can give examples of how cells contribute to organism survival

Unicellular vs. Multicellular

{"left":"Unicellular organisms are made of ONE cell\nAll life functions happen in that single cell\nExamples: bacteria, some protists, some fungi","right":"Multicellular organisms are made of MANY cells\nDifferent cells have specialized jobs\nExamples: plants, animals, humans"}

Unicellular Superstars

Bacteria: Found everywhere on Earth Amoeba: Changes shape to move and eat Paramecium: Has tiny hairs called cilia for swimming Each cell must do ALL life functions: eat, breathe, reproduce, remove waste

Multicellular Marvels

Cells work together like a team Different cells have specialized jobs Muscle cells help you move Nerve cells carry messages Blood cells transport oxygen Teamwork makes complex life possible

Cell Team Challenge

Work in groups of 5 students Create a poster comparing unicellular vs. multicellular organisms Include diagrams and labels Explain how cells function in each type Present one key fact to the class

Cell Function Comparison

Key Concept

Whether an organism has one cell or billions of cells, all living things must perform the same basic life functions to survive and thrive.

Exit Ticket

Answer in 2 sentences: How is a multicellular organism's life different from a unicellular organism's life? Give one specific example to support your answer. Turn in your response before leaving class