| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Biology |
| Lesson Topic: describe the roles of the hypothalamus, posterior pituitary gland, antidiuretic hormone (ADH), aquaporins and collecting ducts in osmoregulation |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the roles of the hypothalamus, posterior pituitary, ADH, aquaporins, and collecting ducts in maintaining plasma osmolarity.
- Explain the physiological sequence that links plasma osmolality changes to water re‑absorption in the kidney.
- Interpret how alterations in ADH secretion affect urine volume and concentration.
- Apply knowledge to answer typical A‑Level exam questions on osmoregulation.
|
Materials Needed:
- Projector and screen for diagram presentation
- Whiteboard and markers
- Printed handout with summary table and flow diagram
- Worksheet with practice questions
- Model of the nephron (optional)
- Clickers or online quiz platform for formative checks
|
Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll asking students how much water they drank yesterday to highlight personal relevance of water balance. Review prior learning on plasma osmolality and the kidney’s role in homeostasis. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to trace the complete feedback loop from hypothalamic sensing to urine concentration.
|
Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5') – Students answer a short question on plasma osmolality ranges on the board.
- Mini‑lecture (10') – Present the key structures (hypothalamus, posterior pituitary, ADH, aquaporins, collecting ducts) with a labelled diagram.
- Guided walkthrough (12') – Step through the eight‑step physiological sequence, asking probing questions after each step.
- Interactive simulation (10') – Use an online kidney model to manipulate ADH levels and observe changes in water re‑absorption.
- Formative quiz (8') – Clicker/Kahoot questions covering the sequence and molecular mechanism.
- Exit ticket (5') – Students write one sentence summarising how ADH regulates urine concentration.
|
Conclusion:
Summarise that the hypothalamus detects osmotic changes, triggers ADH release, which via V₂ receptors inserts AQP2 channels to control water re‑absorption in the collecting ducts. Remind students of their exit‑ticket sentence as a quick retrieval check. Assign a worksheet where they label a blank flow diagram and answer a short essay question on the consequences of ADH inhibition.
|