Lesson Plan

• Describe the key climatic characteristics of equatorial and hot desert regions.
• Explain how vegetation adaptations reflect those climatic conditions.
• Compare and contrast the soils, humidity, and biodiversity of the two biomes.
• Interpret a comparison table to identify the most significant differences between the two zones.

• Projector and laptop
• PowerPoint slides with climate & vegetation diagrams
• Printed Venn‑diagram worksheets
• Clicker/quiz cards for formative checks
• Whiteboard and markers

Begin with a striking image of a lush rainforest beside a barren desert to spark curiosity. Ask students what they notice about the two environments and link their responses to prior knowledge of climate zones. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify and compare the defining features of equatorial and hot desert climates and their associated vegetation.

1. Do‑now (5'): Quick quiz on world climate zones displayed on the board.
2. Teacher input – Equatorial climate & rainforest vegetation (10'): Slide presentation with key data and diagram of canopy layers.
3. Teacher input – Hot desert climate & xerophytic vegetation (10'): Slides showing temperature ranges, rainfall patterns, and plant adaptations.
4. Paired activity (10'): Complete a Venn diagram worksheet comparing the two biomes; circulate to check understanding.
5. Formative check (5'): Clicker questions summarising the main contrasts.
6. Summary & exit ticket (5'): Students write one key difference and one example of plant adaptation on a sticky note.

Recap the major climatic and vegetative differences highlighted during the activity, emphasizing how water availability drives plant adaptations. Collect exit tickets as a retrieval practice and assign a short homework: create a labelled sketch of either a rainforest or desert plant showing its adaptations.