At the end of this cell theory lesson plan ,

students will be able to recognize that according to cell theory all organisms are composed of cells and
cells carry on similar functions such as extracting energy from food to sustain life. Each lesson is
designed using the 5E method of instruction to ensure maximum comprehension by the students.

The following post will walk you through each of the steps and activities from the cell theory lesson plan.

ENGAGEMENT

Objective Introduction

At the beginning of the lesson, the class will do a Think-Pair-Share to discuss the objective.

Class Activity

Tell students to observe the PP slide with 3 images of cork cells under a microscope. Don’t tell them
anything about the images.

Student Activity

Have students observe the PowerPoint slide with the cork cells and ask them to write down three
observations.

Tell them a scientist by the name of Robert Hooke was the first one to come up with a name for these
“boxes”.

Ask them if anyone knows what they are called. (cells)

Ask them if they think these structures are found in plants or animals.

Tell them the material that they are looking at is cork.

Show them the next slide with the picture of Robert Hooke.

Tell them they will learn the cell theory, which is the law which governs all cells. Also, tell them they will
learn about other important scientists who contributed to the cell theory as well as most cell functions.

Cell Theory 5E LessonCell Theory 5E Lesson

Estimated Class Time for the Engagement: 20-30 minutes

EXPLORATION

This student-centered station lab is set up so students can begin to explore cell theory. Four of the
stations are considered input stations where students are learning new information about cell theory
and four of the stations are output stations where students will be demonstrating their mastery of the
input stations. Each of the stations is differentiated to challenge students using a different learning
style. You can read more about how I set up the station labs here.

EXPLORE IT!

Students will be working in pairs to better understand cell theory. Students will be using images to
reignite their understanding of biotic and abiotic factors. Since they will discover that all living things are
made of cells, students will categorize the cards as either belonging to something that is living and
something that is not living. Students will record their observations on their lab sheet.

WATCH IT!

At this station, students will be watching a short video explaining the wacky history of the cell theory.
Students will then answer some questions relating to the video and record their answers on their lab
station sheet. For example: How were bacteria first discovered? How did Robert Hooke come up with
the term ‘cell’? How did Rudolf Virchow contribute to the cell theory?

RESEARCH IT!
The research station will allow students to explore the timeline of the creation of the cell theory.
Students will see what years contributions were made toward cell theory and will also learn about the
scientists that helped. Students will be instructed to complete a few tasks and record answers on their
lab sheets.

Cell Theory 5E Lesson

READ IT!

This station will provide students with a one page reading about cell theory. Students will read
information about the discovery of cells, the creation of the microscope, and the scientists that helped
to create the cell theory. There are 4 follow-up questions that the students will answer to show reading
comprehension of the subject.

ASSESS IT!

The assess it station is where students will go to prove mastery over the concepts they learned in the
lab. The questions are setup in a standardized format with multiple choice answers. Some questions
will ask students: Which is not a part of the cell theory? What was Robert Hooke’s contribution to cells?
What is a benefit of the cell theory? What does “cells come from other cells” mean?Cell Theory 5E
Lesson

WRITE IT!

Students who can answer open-ended questions about the lab truly understand the concepts that are
being taught. At this station, the students will be answering three task cards like: List the 3 parts of the
cell theory. Why do you believe so many scientists were involved in the development of cell theory?
What impact has the cell theory had on the modern day world in which we live?

ILLUSTRATE IT!

Your visual students will love this station. Students will draw an illustration that supports the cell theory.
Students will illustrate cell are the building blocks of life, all living things are made of cells, and cells
come from other cells.Cell Theory 5E Lesson
ORGANIZE IT!

The organize it station allows your students to match the contribution to cell theory with the correct
year. Once students have completed their organization, the teacher will come and check their
understanding.

Estimated Class Time for the Exploration: 1-2, 45 minute class periods

EXPLANATION

The explanation activities will become much more engaging for the class once they have completed the
exploration station lab. During the explanation piece, the teacher will be clearing up any
misconceptions about cell theory with an interactive PowerPoint, anchor charts, and interactive
notebook activities.

The cell theory lesson includes a PowerPoint with activities scattered throughout to keep the students
engaged.Cell Theory 5E LessonCell Theory 5E Lesson

The students will also be interacting with their journals using INB templates for cell theory. Each INB
activity is designed to help students compartmentalize information for a greater understanding of the
concept. The cell theory INB templates allow students to focus their notes on understanding the cell
theory.Cell Theory 5E Lesson

Estimated Class Time for the Exploration: 2-3, 45 minute class periods

ELABORATION

The elaboration section of the 5E method of instruction is intended to give students choice on how they
can prove mastery of the concept. When students are given choice the ‘buy-in’ is much greater than
when the teacher tells them the project they will have to create. The elaboration project will allow
students to create a presentation to teach about cell theory.Cell Theory 5E LessonEstimated Class Time
for the Elaboration: 2-3, 45 minute class periods (can also be used as an at-home project)
EVALUATION

The final piece of the 5E model is to evaluate student comprehension. Included in every 5E lesson is a
homework assignment, assessment, and modified assessment. Research has shown that homework
needs to be meaningful and applicable to real-world activities in order to be effective. When possible, I
like to give open-ended assessments to truly gauge the student’s comprehension.

Estimated Class Time for the Elaboration: 1, 45 minute class period