According to the cell theory first elaborated by Schleiden and Schwann, cells are the fundamental units of life. Add a drop of water and a cover slip.
Tobacco leaves Pull a small piece or two out of a cigarette and put onto a slide.
Add a water drop and a cover slip. Toothpick Take a small splinter or shavings from a toothpick. Put on a slide, adding a drop of water and a cover slip. Toothpicks are typically made of pine, vs. a hardwood such as maple. Our planet is full of life forms, with over 1.5 million species described or catalogued.