| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Biology |
| Lesson Topic: describe and explain changes to the membrane potential of neurones, including: how the resting potential is maintained, the events that occur during an action potential, how the resting potential is restored during the refractory period |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe how the resting membrane potential of a neuron is established and maintained.
- Explain the sequence of ion movements during an action potential and the resulting voltage changes.
- Analyse the phases of the refractory period and how the Na⁺/K⁺‑ATPase restores the resting potential.
- Apply knowledge of membrane potential changes to predict neuronal response to stimuli.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector and screen for diagrams
- PowerPoint slides illustrating ion gradients and action‑potential phases
- Whiteboard and markers
- Handout with ion‑concentration table and key terms
- Interactive clicker/quiz platform for formative checks
- Model of a neuron (optional) for demonstration
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Introduction:
Begin with a quick video clip showing a nerve impulse traveling down an axon to capture interest. Ask students what they already know about how neurons generate electrical signals and link this to the day's success criteria: they will be able to describe the resting potential, trace the events of an action potential, and explain how the refractory period restores the membrane to its resting state.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5') – Students label a blank diagram of ion concentrations and write the typical resting potential value.
- Mini‑lecture (10') – Explain ion gradients, selective permeability, and the Na⁺/K⁺‑ATPase using slides.
- Guided activity (12') – In pairs, students use a simulation to trigger an action potential, recording voltage changes and identifying depolarisation, repolarisation and hyperpolarisation phases.
- Concept check (8') – Whole‑class clicker questions on the sequence of ion movements and the threshold concept.
- Refractory period exploration (10') – Teacher demonstrates with the simulation how absolute and relative refractory periods differ; students discuss why they matter for signal propagation.
- Consolidation (5') – Students complete a one‑page worksheet summarising the three main topics and answer a short “explain in your own words” prompt.
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Conclusion:
Recap the key points: the resting potential is set by K⁺ leak channels and the Na⁺/K⁺ pump, an action potential follows a predictable ion‑flow sequence, and the refractory period restores the resting state. Students submit an exit‑ticket describing one way the Na⁺/K⁺‑ATPase contributes to recovery. For homework, assign a short worksheet to label the phases of an action potential on a blank graph.
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