Lesson Plan

• Describe the process of sensory transduction in receptor cells.
• Identify and compare the main types of sensory receptors and the stimuli they detect.
• Explain how a graded receptor potential leads to an action potential in a sensory neurone.
• Illustrate the pathway of a selected sensory modality (e.g., touch) from receptor to the central nervous system.

• Projector and screen for diagrams
• PowerPoint slides with receptor‑cell illustrations
• Handouts containing the summary table of receptor types
• Whiteboard and markers
• Clicker/online quiz platform for formative checks
• Simple demonstration items (e.g., skin‑patch model, LED light source)

Begin with a quick multiple‑choice question about everyday senses to hook interest and recall prior knowledge. Explain that today’s focus is on how specialised receptor cells turn external stimuli into electrical signals. State the success criteria: students will be able to trace the signal from stimulus to the central nervous system.

1. Do‑now (5 min): MCQ on senses; brief whole‑class review.
2. Mini‑lecture (10 min): Explain sensory transduction, introduce the five receptor types with diagrams.
3. Guided inquiry (12 min): Small groups analyse a case study (e.g., touch vs. vision) and complete a worksheet mapping stimulus → receptor potential → action potential.
4. Group debrief (8 min): Groups present findings; teacher highlights ion‑channel mechanisms and corrects misconceptions.
5. Interactive simulation (10 min): Online model lets students vary stimulus intensity and observe graded receptor potentials.
6. Check for understanding (5 min): Exit quiz via clickers covering key steps of the pathway.

Recap the chain from stimulus detection to impulse transmission, emphasizing the role of receptor potentials and thresholds. Have students write one “take‑away” sentence on a sticky note as an exit ticket. Assign a short homework: create a labelled diagram of any sensory receptor type covered today.