Standard #: SC.6.L.14.2


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Investigate and explain the components of the scientific theory of cells (cell theory): all organisms are composed of cells (single-celled or multi-cellular), all cells come from pre-existing cells, and cells are the basic unit of life.


General Information

Subject Area: Science
Grade: 6
Body of Knowledge: Life Science
Idea: Level 2: Basic Application of Skills & Concepts
Big Idea: Organization and Development of Living Organisms -

A. All living things share certain characteristics.

B. The scientific theory of cells, also called cell theory, is a fundamental organizing principle of life on Earth.

C. Life can be organized in a functional and structural hierarchy.

D. Life is maintained by various physiological functions essential for growth, reproduction, and homeostasis.

Date Adopted or Revised: 02/08
Content Complexity Rating: Level 2: Basic Application of Skills & Concepts - More Information
Date of Last Rating: 05/08
Status: State Board Approved
Assessed: Yes

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Related Access Points

Access Point Number Access Point Title
SC.6.L.14.In.2 Identify that the cell is the smallest basic unit of life and most living things are composed of many cells.
SC.6.L.14.Su.2 Recognize that there are smaller parts in all living things, too small to be seen without magnification, called cells.
SC.6.L.14.Pa.1 Recognize that the human body is made up of various parts.


Related Resources

Lesson Plans

Name Description
All Living Organisms Have Cells - Prove It!

This lesson is inquiry-based and is centered around the 5-E Model. This lesson allows students to see that all living things have cells. Students will be able to use microscopes to determine whether something is alive or not. This lesson only addresses the idea that living things are made of cells. 

Laws and Theories in Nature

This lesson will begin with a presentation to discuss the major differences between hypotheses, theories and laws in science and society and identify several examples of laws and theories. The students will then go outside and make/write down/photograph examples of nature supporting these laws/theories.

Cell Theory Tic-Tac-Toe

This is a digital resource in which students will be able to choose three activities to demonstrate their mastery of cell theory.

Small but Mighty: The progression of the Cell Theory

The cell theory has had a major impact on modern science, from the development of the theory to the present day. This lesson will examine strategies students can use to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the development of the cell theory.

It's ALIVE!

This is a 5E style investigation of living and non-living things. Students will use their understanding of "living" to draw conclusions about how a flame should be classified and why. In the extension, students use resources to classify a virus as living or non-living. Their conclusion must be supported by evidence from the sources used. This is an introductory lesson that would be needed to completely cover the cell theory.

Investigate Cell Theory

This lesson allows students to investigate the Cell Theory.

Cell Theory

This lesson is designed to teach middle school students about cell theory. The activity involves using microscopes and looking at living, dividing, and non-living material.

Original Student Tutorial

Name Description
The Cell Theory

Learn to identify and explain the three parts of the Cell Theory in this interactive, bee-themed tutorial.

Student Resources

Original Student Tutorial

Name Description
The Cell Theory:

Learn to identify and explain the three parts of the Cell Theory in this interactive, bee-themed tutorial.



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