Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Biology
Lesson Topic: outline how viruses are classified, limited to the type of nucleic acid (RNA or DNA) and whether this is single stranded or double stranded
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the two main criteria used to classify viruses (type of nucleic acid and strand configuration).
  • Differentiate between DNA and RNA viruses and identify whether their genomes are single‑ or double‑stranded.
  • Explain the significance of positive‑sense and negative‑sense ssRNA in viral replication.
  • Classify example virus families into the appropriate nucleic‑acid/strand categories.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • PowerPoint slides with classification table and flowchart
  • Handout showing virus families and categories
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Sticky notes for quick classification activity
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video clip showing how viruses hijack cells, then ask students what they know about viral genetic material. Connect this to prior learning about DNA and RNA in cells. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to classify viruses based on nucleic acid type and strand configuration.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students list differences between DNA and RNA on a sticky note; teacher displays common points.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Present the two classification criteria using slides and the flowchart diagram.
  3. Guided practice (12’) – In pairs, students fill a worksheet matching virus families to the correct category; teacher circulates for feedback.
  4. Think‑pair‑share (8’) – Discuss why ssRNA viruses are divided into positive‑sense and negative‑sense; groups record key points.
  5. Whole‑class check (5’) – Quick poll (show of hands) to confirm understanding of each category.
  6. Exit ticket (5’) – Students write one virus family and its classification on a slip of paper.
Conclusion:
Summarize the four classification dimensions and revisit the example families. Collect exit tickets as a retrieval check and remind students to review the flowchart for the upcoming quiz. Assign a short homework: create a flashcard for each virus category with an example family.