Lesson Plan

• Describe the key anatomical adaptations of xerophytic leaves that reduce transpiration.
• Explain how each adaptation influences water loss and internal water transport.
• Produce an accurate transverse‑section drawing of a xerophytic leaf, labeling and annotating each adaptation with a concise functional caption.

• Projector or interactive whiteboard
• Printed handouts of xerophytic leaf diagrams
• Microscopy slides of xerophytic leaf cross‑sections (optional)
• Coloured pencils or markers
• Rulers and graph paper
• Worksheet with annotation prompts
• Potometer data sheets for comparison activity

Show a striking image of a desert cactus leaf and ask students how it survives extreme dryness. Recall prior learning about transpiration and the role of leaf surface structures. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will produce a labelled transverse section demonstrating how xerophytic leaves minimise water loss.

1. Do‑now (5') – quick quiz on basic leaf anatomy to activate prior knowledge.
2. Mini‑lecture (10') – present the seven xerophytic adaptations with annotated slides.
3. Guided drawing (15') – teacher models a transverse‑section sketch; students begin their own drawing and label each feature.
4. Peer check (5') – pairs compare sketches, discuss annotations, and correct any inaccuracies.
5. Application activity (10') – analyse potometer data or calculate the diffusion path through a thick cuticle.
6. Whole‑class debrief (5') – students share key points; teacher clarifies misconceptions.

Summarise how each structural adaptation reduces water loss and supports the plant’s water‑transport system. Ask students to write one‑sentence exit tickets describing the most important adaptation they learned. Assign homework: research a local xerophytic species and prepare a brief report linking its leaf anatomy to its habitat.