Errors in cell division and cancer: basics
I can describe cancer, including benign and malignant tumours, and identify potential risk factors for cancer.
Errors in cell division and cancer: basics
I can describe cancer, including benign and malignant tumours, and identify potential risk factors for cancer.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Cancer is caused by uncontrolled cell growth and division which can lead to the formation of tumours.
- Not all tumours are cancerous; they can be benign or malignant.
- Benign tumours are usually contained within one area and do not invade surrounding tissues.
- Malignant tumours are cancerous, they invade surrounding tissues and can cause secondary tumours.
- Scientists have identified lifestyle and genetic factors that can increase the risk of developing cancer.
Keywords
Mitosis - A type of cell division that produces genetically identical cells.
Genes - Short sections of DNA that code for a specific characteristic or protein.
Tumour - A mass of cells that has been produced through uncontrolled cell division.
Benign - A tumour that is non-cancerous and contained to one area.
Malignant - A tumour that is cancerous and can spread.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that all tumours are cancerous and dangerous.
Pupils are given very clear examples of the difference between benign and malignant tumours. The difference between the two is covered in the slide deck, check for understanding questions and practice tasks.
To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: Errors in cell division and cancer: basics, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: Errors in cell division and cancer: basics, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 combined science lessons from the Cell division: mitosis and meiosis unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
None required.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
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