Biological Sciences
Year 8
Cells – Cell Functions
Biological sciences: Multi-cellular organisms contain systems of organs that carry out specialised functions that
enable them to survive and reproduce (ACSSU150)
Science as Human Endeavour
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Scientific knowledge changes with new evidence. Scientific discoveries have changed people’s understanding of the world (ACSHE134)
Science knowledge can develop through collaboration and connecting ideas across the disciplines of science(ACSHE226)
Science and technology contribute to solutions to issues. They may impact on society and involve ethical considerations (ACSHE135)
Science understanding influences the development of: industry, agriculture and marine and terrestrial resource management (ACSHE136)
People use understanding and skills from across the disciplines of science in their occupations (ACSHE227)
Scientific Inquiry Processes
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Identify questions and problems and make predications that can be investigated scientifically. (ACSIS139)
Plan and conduct a range of investigation types, including fieldwork and experiments, ensuring safety and ethical guidelines. (ACSIS140)
In fair tests, measure and control variables, and select equipment to collect data with accuracy appropriate to the task (ACSIS141)
Construct and use a range of representations, including graphs, keys and models to represent and analyse patterns. (ACSIS144)
Summarise data, and use scientific understanding to identify relationships and draw conclusions(ACSIS145)
Evaluate the method used to investigate a question or solve a problem, including: the quality of the data. Identify improvements (ACSIS146)
Use scientific knowledge and findings from investigations to evaluate claims. (ACSIS234)
 Communicate ideas, findings and solutions to problems using scientific language and representations using digital technologies (ACSIS148)
Knowledge and Understandings
Cell Functions
The cells that make up organisms can be of many
different types.
Cells of the same type are usually found grouped
together to form tissue. A tissue is a group of
similar cells that are organised together to do a
particular job in the body. For example, humans
have muscle tissue, skin tissue, nerve tissue, etc.
An organ is a group of different tissues that work
together to perform a specific task. For example the
stomach is an organ consisting of muscle tissue to
churn the food, gland tissue to produce chemicals to
break food down and connective tissues that form
the stomach lining and hold the contents together.
Cells carry out all the processes that an organism
needs to survive. Different types of cells have
different functions. For example, in humans cells
are responsible for converting atmospheric oxygen
into a usable form (respiration), producing
chemicals to aid in the digestion of food, removing
waste materials from the body, making useful
substances such as skin, hair, blood and bone,
fighting disease, contracting muscles, growth
through cell division as well as many other things.
In plants, photosynthesis takes place in the
chloroplasts of the cells. Photosynthesis is the
process by which plants make their own food. All
living things can trace their food sources back to the
food made by plants when they photosynthesize.
In fact, everything a living thing does is a result of
the activities of its cells.
Learning Program
Cell Functions
Purpose: Students learn that there are different types of
cells that make up the different types of tissues and
organs.
Inform: Brainstorm the different types of cells that occur
in multi-cellular organisms and the functions that these
cells are responsible for. Link the jobs the cells do with
the survival needs of living things.
Write down definitions for the terms “tissue”, “organ” and
“system” in relation to living organisms. Discuss the
similarities and differences between tissues, organs and
systems. List as many types of tissues, organs and
systems as you can in the human body.
Cell Function Quiz
Activity: Students take the Cell Function quiz to go over
what they have learnt about cell functions.
Apply: Cell Function and Structure Quiz
Activity: Another quiz to reiterate what the students have
learnt.
Cell Structure and Function Crossword
Activity: Students review what they have learnt about cell
structure and function.
Evaluate: Stem cells are cells that convert into different
types to form different tissues during the growth of a
foetus. Ask students to write a persuasive text that
argues for or against the practice of stem cell research.
This could also be the basis of a classroom debate.
© Education Research Solutions T: 1300 669 810 E: contactus@educationresearch.com.au W: www.educationresearch.com.au
This is an ERS plan and is NOT endorsed by ACARA. Green font is ACARA sourced materials. Go to: http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au
Assessment Tasks
 Cell function quiz.
 Debate or persuasive
text on the ethics of stem cell research.
Standards
http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/Science/Curriculum/F-10?y=8&s=SU&s=HE&s=IS&layout=1
Teacher Resources IWB T
Cells Information on cell structure and the history of cell discovery
Cellupedia A comprehensive guide to cell biology.
Student Resources IWB S
Cells Alive
Student friendly information site with activities about cells (viruses, bacteria, etc).
Biology 4 Kids: Cells info and quiz
Cell Structures and Functions: Pictures and descriptions of common organelles.
© Education Research Solutions T: 1300 669 810 E: contactus@educationresearch.com.au W: www.educationresearch.com.au
This is an ERS plan and is NOT endorsed by ACARA. Green font is ACARA sourced materials. Go to: http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au
Lesson Planner
Lesson
Teacher Notes
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© Education Research Solutions T: 1300 669 810 E: contactus@educationresearch.com.au W: www.educationresearch.com.au
This is an ERS plan and is NOT endorsed by ACARA. Green font is ACARA sourced materials. Go to: http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au