The Three Parts of Cell Theory

The Three Parts of Cell Theory Worksheet (Grade 6 Science, TEKS 6.13A)

This one-page sheet states the three parts of cell theory: all organisms are made of one or more cells, the cell is the basic unit of structure and function, and all cells come from pre-existing cells. Each part comes with an example, and a short note explains how cell theory replaced the old idea of spontaneous generation.

What's Inside

• A Big Question box: "What three ideas make up cell theory?"
• The three parts of cell theory, each with an example
• A Key Words note: cell theory, pre-existing cell, spontaneous generation
• Activity 1: Students write 1, 2, or 3 next to six real observations
• Activity 2: Three multiple-choice questions
• A visual answer key with answers marked in red

How Teachers Use It

Use it as practice or a quick check for TEKS 6.13A. The sheet takes about 10 minutes, needs no prior knowledge, and prints clearly in black and white.

This worksheet is part of the Reading in Science series for grade 6. It supports TEKS 6.13A: describe the historical development of cell theory and explain how organisms are composed of one or more cells, which come from pre-existing cells and are the basic unit of structure and function. It is one of eleven connected TEKS 6.13 sheets: cell theory (6.13A), the basic characteristics of organisms (6.13B), and variation and survival (6.13C), plus a vocabulary review.

Why It Works

Each sheet opens with a Big Question, teaches the key terms in plain words with simple black-and-white doodles, and then asks students to use only what the page taught. Activities stay at the circle, sort, match, and fill-in level, so students can finish in about 10 minutes, and the visual answer key lets teachers check work fast.