Cell Theory Timeline

A scientific theory is an explanation about a wide range of phenomenon in the natural world that is supported by an abundance of evidence.  The cell theory is a major tenet of biology and was developed through the work of many scientists over many years.  Explore the foundational work of scientists in the 1600's through the conclusive evidence of scientists centuries later.

Wacky History of the Cell Theory

Watch the video for a brief explanation of the key players in the development of the cell theory.  As you watch, add notes to the Cell Scientists Graphic Organizer.

Wacky History of the Cell Theory

Download: Cell_Scientists_Graphic_Organizer_5rUiZPH.docx


Cell Theory Scientists

A key characteristic of being a scientifically literate person is being able to take information from various sources, identify important key concepts from each resource, and then combine to create a summary of information.

Read the text on the development of the cell theory and add to the Cell Scientists graphic organizer.

Then, split into groups of five to read the personal perspective of each of the five cell scientists.

Download: Development_of_the_Cell_Theory_Readings.docx


Time Line

Using all of the synthesized information about Brown, Hooke, Janssen, Leeuwenhoek, Schledein, Schwann, and Virchow, create a timeline of the cell theory scientists, putting the scientists in order.

Cell Theory Scientists
Cell_Scientists_Timeline.pngCell Theory Scientists

Cell Theory Scientists


Rubric and Summarizer


Download: Cell_Theory_Summarizer_Poster_Rubric.docx


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