ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a consideration of cell biology that, along with evolution, is the most important and unifying concept in biology. Attention is given to a brief review of the history of the development of cell idea in science and in textbooks and a consideration of the domain of cell biology from an educational perspective. Readers will find a recommendation for how cell biology instruction might be scaffolded, an extensive review of students’ understanding and conceptions related to cell biology including a discussion of the so-called cell “theory”, and an outline of typical laboratory experiences to support learning about the cell. Finally, specific recommendations from the literature are made regarding the design of instructional plans for teaching cell biology with consideration of these issues.
