Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Geography
Lesson Topic: Adaptation of plants to physical and physiological drought
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the characteristics of physical and physiological drought in arid environments.
  • Explain at least three structural adaptations to physical drought and three physiological adaptations to physiological drought.
  • Analyse how plant adaptations influence soil development, stability and salinity.
  • Apply knowledge to evaluate a case‑study (e.g., Acacia tortilis) and answer an exam‑style question.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • PowerPoint slides with adaptation diagrams
  • Handouts summarising adaptation types and example species
  • Printed or digital images of desert plants
  • Worksheet with case‑study questions
  • Markers and chart paper for group mind‑maps
 Introduction:
Begin with a striking image of a desert shrub showing a deep taproot and succulent stem. Ask students what strategies plants might use to survive where water is scarce, linking to prior knowledge of transpiration and root functions. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify and explain key adaptations and their impact on soils.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Quick quiz on definitions of physical vs physiological drought; teacher checks answers.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Present key adaptations using slides and a cross‑section diagram; emphasize deep roots, reduced leaf area, cuticle, succulence, osmotic adjustment, and salt glands.
  3. Interactive case study (12’) – Small groups analyse data sheets for Acacia tortilis and Salicornia europaea, answering guided questions on survival strategies and soil effects.
  4. Whole‑class discussion (8’) – Groups share findings; teacher highlights links to soil stability, organic matter input, and salinity regulation.
  5. Concept‑mapping activity (10’) – Students create a mind‑map on chart paper connecting plant adaptations to soil processes.
  6. Formative check (5’) – Exit ticket: one sentence describing how a single adaptation modifies the soil environment.
Conclusion:
Summarise that structural and biochemical plant adaptations enable survival under both physical and physiological drought and simultaneously shape soil properties. Collect the exit tickets to gauge understanding and clarify any misconceptions. Assign homework: research another xerophytic species and write a short paragraph linking its adaptation to a specific soil impact.