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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/specialized-cells/adaptations
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
The body contains many different cells that are specially adapted for different functions. In this activity, students will create a chart that identifies the parts of each cell as well as their adaptations,locations, and functions. Students can represent these functions symbolically using our art or photos from Photos for class.
For students who need some more support, cut up the example storyboard and have your students put it together in the correct order. In addition to the specialized cells listed the activity above, students can look at other specialized cells, such as white blood cells and palisade cells.
Template and Class Instructions
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create an illustrated chart about different specialized cells. Include information about the cells, where they are found, and their functions.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Label each of the rows with a name of a specialized cell.
- Label the columns as Diagram, Location and Function.
- Look in the Science section or search "cell" to find a diagram of each of the specialized cells and add them to the Diagram column. Add rows as needed.
- Label the organelles in each of the specialized cells.
- Describe the adaptations of the specialized cell in the description box underneath the cell.
- In the Location column, state where the cells are found, and illustrate the location with Storyboard That images or photos from Photos for Class.
- In the Function column, state the function of the cell and illustrate the function with Storyboard That images or photos from Photos for Class.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Specialized Cells
Label and describe a range of specialized cells, including details of their function and location.
| Proficient 17 Points | Emerging 9 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labeled diagram | All the parts have been identified. | Most of the parts have been identified. | Some of the parts have been identified. |
| Description of Parts and Adaptations | All the parts and adaptations have clear descriptions which contain good scientific vocabulary. | Most of the parts and adaptations have clear descriptions. | Some of the parts and adaptations have clear descriptions. |
| Location | The location of every cell is correct. | The location of most of the cells are correct. | The location of some of the cells are correct. |
| Description of Function | The function is clearly and correctly described for every cell | The function is clearly and correctly described for most cells. | The function is clearly and correctly described for some cells. |
| Visualizations | The storyboard cells clearly illustrate the location and function. | The storyboard cells relate to the location and function, but is difficult to understand. | The storyboard cells do not clearly relate to the location and function. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Lesson Plan Overview
The body contains many different cells that are specially adapted for different functions. In this activity, students will create a chart that identifies the parts of each cell as well as their adaptations,locations, and functions. Students can represent these functions symbolically using our art or photos from Photos for class.
For students who need some more support, cut up the example storyboard and have your students put it together in the correct order. In addition to the specialized cells listed the activity above, students can look at other specialized cells, such as white blood cells and palisade cells.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create an illustrated chart about different specialized cells. Include information about the cells, where they are found, and their functions.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Label each of the rows with a name of a specialized cell.
- Label the columns as Diagram, Location and Function.
- Look in the Science section or search "cell" to find a diagram of each of the specialized cells and add them to the Diagram column. Add rows as needed.
- Label the organelles in each of the specialized cells.
- Describe the adaptations of the specialized cell in the description box underneath the cell.
- In the Location column, state where the cells are found, and illustrate the location with Storyboard That images or photos from Photos for Class.
- In the Function column, state the function of the cell and illustrate the function with Storyboard That images or photos from Photos for Class.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Specialized Cells
Label and describe a range of specialized cells, including details of their function and location.
| Proficient 17 Points | Emerging 9 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labeled diagram | All the parts have been identified. | Most of the parts have been identified. | Some of the parts have been identified. |
| Description of Parts and Adaptations | All the parts and adaptations have clear descriptions which contain good scientific vocabulary. | Most of the parts and adaptations have clear descriptions. | Some of the parts and adaptations have clear descriptions. |
| Location | The location of every cell is correct. | The location of most of the cells are correct. | The location of some of the cells are correct. |
| Description of Function | The function is clearly and correctly described for every cell | The function is clearly and correctly described for most cells. | The function is clearly and correctly described for some cells. |
| Visualizations | The storyboard cells clearly illustrate the location and function. | The storyboard cells relate to the location and function, but is difficult to understand. | The storyboard cells do not clearly relate to the location and function. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Adaptations of Specialized Cells
1
How to Differentiate a Specialized Cells Chart for Diverse Learners
Adapt your chart activity to meet the needs of all students by offering multiple entry points and scaffolds. Different learners benefit from choices in content, process, and product to help them understand specialized cells more deeply.
2
Offer choice in how students present information
Allow students to choose between drawing, digital diagrams, or using photos for their charts. This flexibility increases engagement and lets students use their strengths to show understanding.
3
Provide sentence starters or word banks
Give students a list of key words and sentence frames for describing cell functions and adaptations. This support helps all students, especially English learners, write clear, accurate explanations.
4
Use color-coding and visual cues
Encourage students to color-code organelles or functions in their charts. Visual cues help students organize information and make connections more easily.
5
Incorporate peer review and collaborative feedback
Have students share their charts with a partner or small group and offer one compliment and one suggestion. Peer feedback builds confidence and encourages reflection on the learning process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Adaptations of Specialized Cells
What are specialized cells and why are they important in the body?
Specialized cells are cells uniquely adapted to perform specific functions in the body, such as carrying oxygen, fighting infection, or enabling movement. Their adaptations are crucial for supporting different bodily processes and overall health.
How can I help students create a chart about specialized cells in the classroom?
Guide students to make a chart with rows for each specialized cell and columns for diagram, location, and function. Label organelles and use images or drawings to illustrate each cell's structure and role. Provide scaffolds like cut-up storyboards or templates for extra support.
What are some examples of specialized cells students can include in their project?
Students can include red blood cells, white blood cells, palisade cells, nerve cells, and muscle cells in their project. Exploring various types helps students understand the diversity and adaptation of cells in living organisms.
What is the best way to visually represent the function of a specialized cell for students?
Use diagrams, labeled illustrations, and classroom-friendly photos to show each cell's parts and their specific adaptations. Visuals make it easier for students to connect structure to function and location within the body.
How can I differentiate this specialized cells lesson for students who need extra support?
Offer differentiated materials such as pre-cut storyboard pieces, guided templates, or group work to help students organize information about specialized cells. Visual aids and step-by-step instructions can make the activity more accessible.
More Storyboard That Activities
Specialized Cells
Image Attributions
- blood in tubes • Iqbal Osman1 • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- circulatory system • adrigu • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Feeling Fat. • Caitlinator • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/specialized-cells/adaptations
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© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
