Development of Cell Theory Complete Science Lesson - New TEKS 6.13A

This complete unit equips middle school teachers with everything needed to teach the historical development of cell theory and its role in modern biology. Students will explore how organisms are composed of one or more cells, which come from pre-existing cells, and how cells are the basic unit of structure and function. The resource includes editable presentations, worksheets, student-choice projects, a differentiated station lab, and assessments. Built for multiday instruction with minimal prep, this lesson emphasizes student-led, differentiated learning, allowing teachers to focus on supporting student success.

Essential Questions for Students

• Can you describe the historical development of cell theory?

• How does cell theory explain that organisms are composed of one or more cells, which come from pre-existing cells, and are the basic unit of structure and function?

Standards Alignment: Meets 2021 TEKS standard 6.13A.

What Makes This Lesson Stand Out

• Differentiated materials for students who need more support

• Multimodal learning opportunities to engage all learners

• Flexible delivery—resources are available in both printable and digital formats

• Editable PowerPoints for customization

• Spanish translations of vocabulary, a station lab reading passage, and interactive notebook pages

Instructional Framework: The 5E Model

This lesson is built on the 5E instructional model—Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate—providing a well-rounded balance of inquiry, practice, and assessment.

Engage

• Objectives and Word Wall Cards (English & Spanish)

• Teacher file with discussion prompts, activities, and notes on common misconceptions

Explore

• A nine-station, student-led lab where students learn about the invention of the microscope, the discovery of cells, and the contributions of scientists to modern cell theory

Input Stations:

• Explore It! – Hands-on demo or experiment

• Read It! – Differentiated reading passages (English & Spanish) with comprehension checks

• Research It! – Guided online activity with tasks and questions

• Watch It! – Short video with discussion prompts

Output Stations:

• Organize It! – Sorting and categorization activities (printable and digital)

• Write It! – Open-ended written responses in complete sentences

• Illustrate It! – Drawing/sketching to reinforce retention of concepts

• Assess It! – Vocabulary-in-context and mastery-based questions

Bonus Station:

• Challenge It! – Games, puzzles, and mini-projects for enrichment or early finishers

Explain

• Editable PowerPoints in standard and interactive versions

• Interactive Notebook templates (digital & print, English & Spanish)

• Guided note-taking templates

Elaborate

• Student-choice projects that extend learning by connecting cell theory to modern biology and medicine

Evaluate

• Assessments updated for STAAR 2.0, with standard and modified versions

• Review questions and worksheets for practice, discussion, or test prep

Flexible Learning Options

This lesson is designed for in-person and virtual classrooms. The digital station lab and interactive notebook resources are fully compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, making them easy to implement in blended or online environments.

This is a finished product; it will be updated with corrections as needed. Future improvements and new features will be sold as a separate product.