Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Biology
Lesson Topic: describe the role of gibberellin in the germination of barley (see 16.3.4)
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the role of gibberellin in barley seed germination.
  • Explain the sequential events from GA synthesis to radicle emergence.
  • Analyse experimental evidence that demonstrates GA’s function.
  • Evaluate the interaction of GA with other hormones and environmental cues.
  • Predict the effect of GA inhibitors on germination outcomes.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • PowerPoint/Google Slides presentation
  • Handout with summary table and flow‑chart
  • Barley seed samples (optional demonstration)
  • GA3 solution and paclobutrazol (for safe demo)
  • Whiteboard and markers
Introduction:

Begin with a quick question: “What triggers a dormant seed to start growing?” Connect this to students’ prior knowledge of water uptake and hormones. Outline today’s success criteria – students will be able to trace the GA pathway, explain its effects, and evaluate experimental data.

Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Label a blank diagram of seed germination stages to activate prior knowledge.
  2. Mini‑lecture with slides (10’) – Overview of GA biosynthesis, transport to the aleurone, and enzyme induction.
  3. Group flow‑chart activity (10’) – Arrange step‑cards (imbibition → GA synthesis → transport → enzyme activation → reserve mobilisation → radicle emergence) and add timing notes.
  4. Experimental evidence discussion (8’) – Examine three key experiments (GA3 application, embryo removal, inhibitor use) and answer guided questions.
  5. Demonstration/video (7’) – Show barley seeds treated with GA3 versus paclobutrazol and observe germination progress.
  6. Formative quiz (5’) – Kahoot/exit‑ticket covering main concepts.
  7. Recap & homework assignment (5’) – Summarise key points and assign a worksheet to diagram the GA pathway and predict outcomes of altered GA levels.
Conclusion:

Review the GA‑driven sequence from water uptake to radicle emergence, highlighting how the hormone mobilises stored nutrients. Students complete an exit ticket stating one way GA interacts with another hormone. For homework, they will complete a worksheet that asks them to predict germination results when GA synthesis is blocked.