Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Biology
Lesson Topic: draw and label xylem vessel elements, phloem sieve tube elements and companion cells from microscope slides, photomicrographs and electron micrographs
Learning Objective/s:
  • Identify and label the main components of xylem vessel elements in microscope images.
  • Identify and label the main components of phloem sieve‑tube elements and companion cells.
  • Produce accurate, labeled drawings of these structures from slides, photomicrographs, and TEM images.
  • Compare structural differences between xylem and phloem transport cells.
  • Explain how staining techniques aid visualization of transport tissues.
Materials Needed:
  • Light microscope with 40× and 400–1000× objectives
  • Prepared slides of stem cross‑sections stained with safranin and fast green
  • High‑resolution photomicrographs and TEM images of xylem and phloem
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard for image display
  • Drawing paper, pencils, coloured pens, and rulers
  • Worksheet with labeling template and checklist
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick image of a plant stem and ask students where water and sugars travel. Recall prior knowledge of basic cell types and the function of vascular tissue. Explain that today they will practice observing real microscopic images and produce precise labeled diagrams, which will be assessed against a checklist.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students list differences they remember between xylem and phloem.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Review staining protocol and key anatomical features using projected slides.
  3. Guided observation (15’) – Students examine prepared slides under low then high magnification, noting vessel elements, sieve tubes, and companion cells.
  4. Sketching session Part 1 (10’) – In pairs, draft the overall arrangement of xylem and phloem on paper.
  5. Sketching session Part 2 (15’) – Add detailed drawings of a vessel element, a sieve‑tube with sieve plate, and an adjacent companion cell; label each part.
  6. Image comparison (10’) – Compare sketches with photomicrographs and TEM images; make corrections.
  7. Peer review & checklist (10’) – Partners use the assessment checklist to verify completeness and accuracy.
Conclusion:
Students recap the distinguishing features of each transport cell and check their diagrams against the checklist. An exit ticket asks them to write one tip for avoiding common drawing errors. For homework, they complete a printable diagram using a new set of micrographs.