Lesson Plan

Resources → Subject Notes → Biology → Notes
Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Biology
Lesson Topic: state that Calvin cycle intermediates are used to produce other molecules, limited to GP to produce some amino acids and TP to produce carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe how glyceraldehyde‑3‑phosphate (GP) and triose phosphate (TP) are generated in the Calvin cycle.
  • Explain the limited biosynthetic role of GP in producing serine and cysteine.
  • Identify the major carbohydrate, lipid, and additional amino‑acid pathways that originate from TP.
  • Illustrate the dependence of these pathways on ATP and NADPH from the light reactions.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • PowerPoint slides with pathway diagrams
  • Printed handouts of the Calvin‑cycle branching chart
  • Molecular model kits (sugar, lipid, amino‑acid pieces)
  • Worksheet for guided analysis
  • Whiteboard and markers
 Introduction:
Imagine the carbon fixed during photosynthesis branching out to build sugars, fats, and proteins. Students should already know the three phases of the Calvin cycle and the role of ATP/NADPH. Today they will be able to state which intermediates feed which biosynthetic routes and why only a small fraction is diverted.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – short quiz on Calvin‑cycle steps and key intermediates.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – overview of GP and TP as metabolic precursors.
  3. Guided analysis (15') – students label a printed diagram showing GP → serine/cysteine and TP → carbohydrates, lipids, other amino acids.
  4. Group activity (15') – using model kits, groups construct the three biosynthetic branches and present one pathway.
  5. Check for understanding (5') – exit‑ticket question: “Which intermediate supplies carbon for starch synthesis?”
  6. Recap (5') – teacher summarises key points and links back to light‑dependent reactions.
Conclusion:
We reviewed how GP is channeled into a few amino acids while TP supplies the bulk of carbohydrate, lipid, and additional amino‑acid synthesis. Students will hand in an exit ticket summarising one pathway and will be assigned a short worksheet to reinforce the connections for homework.