Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Biology
Lesson Topic: explain how uncontrolled cell division can result in the formation of a tumour
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the normal phases of the cell cycle and the regulatory roles of cyclins, CDKs, and checkpoints.
  • Explain how mutations in tumour‑suppressor genes, oncogenes, or checkpoint failures lead to uncontrolled cell division.
  • Compare the characteristics of benign and malignant tumours.
  • Analyse the step‑by‑step molecular events that transform a normal cell into a tumour.
  • Evaluate the relevance of cell‑cycle control loss for cancer development and therapy.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • PowerPoint slides with cell‑cycle diagram
  • Handouts: flowchart of normal vs. deregulated cell cycle, case‑study worksheet
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Exit‑ticket slips
  • Homework assignment sheet
 Introduction:

Begin with a striking image of a tumour mass to capture interest and ask students what they think caused it. Briefly recap the stages of mitosis and the concept of cell‑cycle checkpoints that they have previously studied. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to explain how loss of this regulation creates tumours.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Starter – Quick recall quiz on cell‑cycle phases (5 minutes).
  2. Mini‑lecture – Overview of cyclins, CDKs, and checkpoint control (10 minutes).
  3. Group activity – Using the flowchart handout, students map specific mutations (p53, RAS, etc.) onto the normal cycle (15 minutes).
  4. Case‑study discussion – Analyse a scenario where TP53 is mutated; predict cellular outcomes (10 minutes).
  5. Comparative table review – Compare normal vs. uncontrolled division using the provided table; highlight key differences (10 minutes).
  6. Formative check – Exit ticket: one sentence describing how checkpoint failure leads to tumour formation (5 minutes).
  7. Homework brief – Assign research on a cancer type to identify its primary molecular driver (2 minutes).
Conclusion:

Summarise how disruptions in cyclin/CDK activity, tumour‑suppressor genes, and checkpoints drive uncontrolled proliferation and tumour formation. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding, and remind students of the homework to explore real‑world cancer examples.