The Cell Theory: A Historical Perspective

If someone were to tell you that people once believed that maggots came from rotting meat or that rats came from damp roofs, you would quickly write the person off as being very weird. However, this IS what many people thought until about 250 years ago. These beliefs were based upon an idea called "spontaneous generation." Why did people accept this absurd idea? How was this idea finally put to rest? It's up to you to find out!
During this webquest, you will learn about the scientists who helped to pave the way to the development of the Cell Theory and to the rejection of spontaneous generation.

You will use internet resources to create a timeline that begins with the invention of the compound microscope to the experiment conducted by Louis Pasteur that finally dispelled the outdated idea of spontaneous generation. After completing your timeline, you should summarize the three parts of the cell theory in your own words.

The list of scientists to be highlighted in your quest is as follows:
1) Zacharias Jansen
2) Anton van Leeuwenhoek
3) Robert Hooke
4) Matthias Schleiden
5) Theodor Schwann
6) Rudolf Virchow
7) Louis Pasteur

8) Robert Brown
As you conduct research with regards to these scientists, include the following information on your timeline questions:

* How did this scientist contribute to the cell theory? (Keep in mind

that many of these guys did all sorts of cool things. Make sure the

information that you provide here is related to the cell theory.)

* When did this scientist make his contribution to the cell theory?

* How did this scientist's invention, idea, or experiment help lead to

the rejection of spontaneous generation?

* What was going on in the US while these discoveries were being

made elsewhere?

* Were there any other individuals mentioned who made contributions,

but were not previously mentioned? Who, what and when?

Requirements:

  1. Timeline must be in scale….20 years distance on a timeline should NOT be the same distance as 100 years. Plan carefully.
  2. You may only use two 8.5x11” pieces of paper (construction or otherwise) taped lengthwise together.
  3. You may choose to work with one other person, or you may choose to work alone.
  4. CHECK THE TEACHER PAGE FOR THE DUE DATE.