| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Biology |
| Lesson Topic: describe how the information in DNA is used during transcription and translation to construct polypeptides, including the roles of: RNA polymerase, messenger RNA (mRNA), codons, transfer RNA (tRNA), anticodons, ribosomes |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the flow of genetic information from DNA to a polypeptide via transcription and translation.
- Explain the specific roles of RNA polymerase, mRNA, codons, tRNA, anticodons, and ribosomes in protein synthesis.
- Identify the three phases of transcription and translation and the key events in each phase.
- Compare the processing steps that convert pre‑mRNA into mature mRNA in eukaryotes.
- Apply knowledge to label a diagram of the transcription‑translation pathway.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector and screen
- Whiteboard and markers
- Printed handouts of a protein‑synthesis diagram
- Interactive digital model (e.g., PhET simulation)
- Worksheet with codon‑anticodon matching activities
- Colored sticky notes for labeling ribosome sites
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Introduction:
Begin with a short video of a factory assembly line to draw a parallel with how cells build proteins. Prompt students to recall how DNA stores genetic information and what they already know about RNA. Explain that today they will trace that information through transcription and translation and will be able to label each molecular player by the end of the lesson.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑Now (5'): Quick quiz on DNA → RNA basics to activate prior knowledge.
- Mini‑lecture (10'): Overview of transcription with a diagram, highlighting RNA polymerase and promoter regions.
- Guided practice (10'): Worksheet walk‑through of transcription steps; teacher checks understanding.
- Interactive simulation (10'): Students explore a digital model of transcription and mRNA processing.
- Mini‑lecture (10'): Translation process, focusing on ribosome sites and codon‑anticodon pairing.
- Group activity (10'): Codon‑anticodon matching using colored sticky notes on a large ribosome poster.
- Formative check (5'): Exit ticket – one sentence describing the role of tRNA.
- Recap (5'): Summarise the complete flow diagram and answer final questions.
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Conclusion:
Review the central‑dogma pathway, emphasizing how each molecular component contributes to building a polypeptide. Students complete an exit ticket summarising the three stages of translation. For homework, assign a worksheet that requires labeling a detailed transcription‑translation diagram.
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