| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Biology |
| Lesson Topic: state that cyclic photophosphorylation and non-cyclic photophosphorylation occur during the light-dependent stage of photosynthesis |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the locations and overall purpose of the light‑dependent reactions.
- Explain the electron flow and products of non‑cyclic photophosphorylation.
- Explain the electron flow and products of cyclic photophosphorylation.
- Compare the two pathways and justify why both are needed for the Calvin‑Benson cycle.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector and screen
- PowerPoint slides with diagrams of thylakoid membranes
- Printed handout of the comparison table
- Worksheet with short answer and diagram‑label questions
- Model of a chloroplast (optional)
- Whiteboard and markers
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Introduction:
Begin with a quick “What do plants need to grow?” brainstorm to activate prior knowledge of light and energy. Show a striking image of a leaf’s internal structure and ask students to predict where light energy is captured. State that today they will discover two distinct ways plants convert light into chemical energy, and they will be able to identify the products of each pathway by the end of the lesson.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑Now (5′): Students list everything they know about the light‑dependent reactions on a sticky note.
- Mini‑lecture (10′): Present the overall light‑dependent stage, locate thylakoid membranes, and introduce cyclic vs non‑cyclic pathways.
- Guided diagram activity (12′): Using the projected diagram, students label electron flow for both pathways on their handouts.
- Think‑Pair‑Share (8′): Compare the products and conditions that favour each pathway; record key differences in a shared table.
- Worksheet practice (15′): Individual work on short‑answer questions and a comparison table; teacher circulates for formative feedback.
- Check for Understanding (5′): Quick poll (show of hands) on which pathway produces O₂ and NADPH.
- Transition to next lesson (5′): Preview how the ATP and NADPH generated will be used in the Calvin‑Benson cycle.
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Conclusion:
Summarise that non‑cyclic photophosphorylation yields ATP, NADPH, and O₂, whereas cyclic photophosphorylation supplies ATP only, balancing the energy needs of the Calvin cycle. Ask each student to write one “exit ticket” sentence describing when the plant would favour the cyclic pathway. Assign a short homework: create a labelled sketch of the thylakoid membrane showing both pathways.
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