Lesson Plan

• Describe how ATP and NADPH are produced during the light‑dependent reactions.
• Explain the role of ATP and NADPH in the three phases of the Calvin cycle.
• Illustrate the flow of energy from photons to the synthesis of glyceraldehyde‑3‑phosphate and other organic molecules.
• Analyse the interdependence of the light‑dependent and light‑independent stages.

• Projector and screen
• PowerPoint slides showing the photosynthetic energy flow
• Printed handouts of the ATP/NADPH‑Calvin cycle diagram
• Chloroplast model or large diagram
• Worksheet with Calvin‑cycle calculations
• Exit‑ticket cards
• Whiteboard and markers

Begin with the question, “Where does the sugar in an apple get its energy?” Students recall that photosynthesis provides this energy. Review briefly the two stages of photosynthesis, then state that by the end of the lesson they will be able to trace the energy carriers ATP and NADPH from the light‑dependent reactions into the Calvin cycle.

1. Do‑now (5'): Quick quiz on light‑dependent reactions to activate prior knowledge.
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Explain production of ATP and NADPH, using slide diagrams.
3. Interactive diagram activity (12'): In pairs, students label a flowchart that links ATP/NADPH to each Calvin‑cycle phase.
4. Guided worksheet (10'): Work through carbon fixation, reduction, and RuBP regeneration steps.
5. Think‑pair‑share (8'): Discuss how consumption of ATP/NADPH drives continued electron flow.
6. Formative check (5'): Exit‑ticket question – “How does the energy from ATP become stored in glucose?”

Summarise the journey of energy from photons to complex organic molecules, confirming the learning objectives. Collect exit tickets as a retrieval check and assign a short homework: write a paragraph linking the energy transfer in photosynthesis to the energy needs of cellular respiration.