Lesson Plan

• Describe the main temperature‑related challenges that plants face in arid environments.
• Explain morphological, physiological, phenological and root adaptations that enable desert plants to survive extreme heat and cold.
• Analyse how these plant adaptations influence soil development and temperature regimes.
• Compare CAM photosynthesis with other photosynthetic pathways in terms of water‑use efficiency.
• Apply knowledge to answer typical A‑Level examination questions on plant adaptations.

• Projector or interactive whiteboard
• Slide deck with diagrams of plant adaptations
• Handout summarising morphological, physiological, phenological and root adaptations
• Printed or digital images of representative desert plants (cactus, acacia, Welwitschia, annuals)
• Worksheet with case‑study questions
• Whiteboard markers and sticky notes

Begin with a striking photograph of a sun‑baked desert landscape and ask students what they think limits plant life there. Recall prior knowledge of evaporation and transpiration from previous lessons. State that by the end of the session they will be able to identify and explain the key adaptations plants use to cope with extreme temperature swings.

1. Do‑now (5'): Students jot down how high daytime temperatures affect plant water loss.
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Present temperature challenges and the four adaptation categories using slides.
3. Guided group work (15'): In small groups, examine a case‑study plant (cactus, acacia, Welwitschia or desert annual) and fill a worksheet identifying its adaptations.
4. Whole‑class debrief (10'): Groups share findings; teacher highlights CAM photosynthesis and root impacts on soil.
5. Interactive diagram activity (10'): Label a projected cross‑section of a CAM cactus stem.
6. Check for understanding (5'): Quick Kahoot quiz (3 questions) on adaptation mechanisms.
7. Summary & homework (5'): Recap objectives, collect exit tickets, assign a short research task on a desert plant’s unique adaptation.

Summarise how desert plants minimise heat absorption, conserve water, protect cellular structures, exploit temporal niches and access deep moisture. Collect exit tickets where students write one adaptation they found most surprising. For homework, ask pupils to find a desert plant not covered today and prepare a brief description of its temperature‑related adaptation.