Lesson Plan

• Define cell, tissue, organ, organ system, and organism.
• Compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
• Explain how cells combine to form tissues, organs, and systems.
• Identify examples of each level of organization in plants and animals.
• Apply the hierarchy to describe the organization of a chosen organism.

• Projector or interactive whiteboard
• PowerPoint/slide deck with diagrams
• Printed handouts of the hierarchy chart
• Whiteboard and markers
• Sample microscope slides (optional)
• Exit ticket cards

Begin with a quick image of a human body and ask students what they think is the smallest unit of life. Connect this to prior learning about cells from earlier lessons and set the success criteria: students will be able to name and describe the five levels of biological organization.

1. Do‑now (5'): Students write everything they know about cells on a sticky note.
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Present definitions and the hierarchy using slides.
3. Guided practice (10'): Group activity matching examples to each level on a worksheet.
4. Interactive diagram (8'): Build a flow diagram on the board together.
5. Check for understanding (10'): Pairs answer the four “Check Your Understanding” questions while the teacher circulates.
6. Summary & exit ticket (7'): Students write one key point and a question on an exit card.

Review the hierarchy from cell to organism, highlighting how each level builds on the previous one. Invite a few students to share their exit‑ticket responses as a quick retrieval check. For homework, ask learners to create a labelled diagram of a chosen organism’s organization.