| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Biology |
| Lesson Topic: describe the cardiac cycle, with reference to the relationship between blood pressure changes during systole and diastole and the opening and closing of valves |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe each phase of the cardiac cycle and the associated pressure changes.
- Explain how pressure gradients control the opening and closing of atrioventricular and semilunar valves.
- Relate systolic and diastolic blood‑pressure measurements to specific valve actions.
- Interpret a pressure‑volume diagram of the heart.
- Identify the heart sounds that correspond to valve closure.
|
Materials Needed:
- Projector and screen for animated slides
- Whiteboard and markers
- Handout containing the cardiac‑cycle table and pressure curves
- Physical heart model or 3‑D printed heart
- Quiz cards / exit‑ticket slips
|
Introduction:
Begin with a quick “name‑that‑valve” challenge to activate prior knowledge of heart anatomy. Review the students’ understanding of systole and diastole, then state that by the end of the lesson they will be able to explain how pressure changes drive valve movements. Outline the success criteria: accurate description of each phase, correct pressure‑valve relationships, and ability to link sounds to valve closure.
|
Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5’) – Students label a blank cardiac‑cycle diagram; teacher checks key parts.
- Direct instruction (10’) – Animated slide showing pressure curves, systole vs diastole, and valve timing.
- Guided practice (12’) – In pairs, students annotate the detailed sequence table with pressure values and valve states.
- Interactive simulation (10’) – Use the heart model or online simulation to demonstrate isovolumetric phases; students predict the “lub” and “dub” sounds.
- Check for understanding (8’) – Short Kahoot quiz focusing on pressure‑gradient rules and valve dynamics.
- Summary & exit ticket (5’) – Students write one sentence linking systolic pressure to semilunar‑valve opening and one linking diastolic pressure to AV‑valve opening; submit as exit ticket.
|
Conclusion:
Recap the sequence of events and emphasise how pressure gradients coordinate valve actions and heart sounds. Collect the exit tickets to gauge individual understanding, and assign a brief homework task: complete a labelled diagram of the cardiac cycle with pressure values.
|