Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Biology
Lesson Topic: explain the differences in the thickness of the walls of the: atria and ventricles, left ventricle and right ventricle
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe why wall thickness varies among the cardiac chambers.
  • Compare the wall thickness of atria versus ventricles.
  • Explain why the left ventricle wall is thicker than the right ventricle wall.
  • Interpret a comparative table of chamber thickness, function, and generated pressure.
  • Apply the pressure‑wall relationship to predict changes in wall thickness.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • PowerPoint slides with heart diagram and pressure table
  • Handout of the comparative wall‑thickness table
  • Blank heart diagram worksheets
  • Physical heart model (optional)
  • Whiteboard and markers
 Introduction:
Begin with a striking cross‑section image of the heart and ask students what differences they notice in the walls. Quickly review that the heart pumps blood and that pressure varies between systemic and pulmonary circuits. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to explain how these pressure differences determine wall thickness.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students label a blank heart diagram with atria and ventricles (checks prior knowledge).
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Explain the relationship between pressure and wall thickness using slides and the comparative table.
  3. Guided analysis (10'): In pairs, students interpret the table and answer why the left ventricle is thicker than the right.
  4. Whole‑class discussion (5'): Groups share findings; teacher clarifies misconceptions.
  5. Diagram activity (10'): Students annotate a cross‑section diagram with wall‑thickness notes for each chamber.
  6. Formative check (5'): Exit ticket – one sentence explaining why the right ventricle wall is thinner.
Conclusion:
Recap that wall thickness reflects the pressure each chamber must generate, with atria thin and the left ventricle the thickest. Collect exit tickets, reinforce the key points, and assign a short homework paragraph comparing systemic and pulmonary circulation pressures and their impact on wall thickness.