Lesson Plan

• Describe the arrangement of cholesterol, glycolipids and glycoproteins within the plasma membrane.
• Explain how each component influences membrane fluidity, permeability and cell‑cell interactions.
• Compare the locations and functional roles of glycolipids versus glycoproteins.
• Analyse how the combined distribution creates micro‑domains such as lipid rafts.
• Apply knowledge to interpret diagrammatic representations of the fluid mosaic model.

• Projector and slide deck
• Printed membrane diagram handouts
• Worksheet with labeling activity
• 3‑D membrane model kit (phospholipids, cholesterol, glycolipids, glycoproteins)
• Markers and coloured stickers
• Kahoot (or similar) quiz access

Begin with a quick animation showing molecules moving within a membrane to hook students. Ask learners what they already know about membrane components and how they might be organized. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to describe the specific placement and function of cholesterol, glycolipids and glycoproteins.

1. Do‑now (5') – students label a blank membrane diagram on the worksheet.
2. Mini‑lecture (10') – present the fluid mosaic model and the role of cholesterol as a fluidity modulator.
3. Guided inquiry (8') – compare glycolipid and glycoprotein structures using slides and discuss their extracellular carbohydrate chains.
4. Interactive activity (12') – in pairs, build a 3‑D membrane model, placing cholesterol, glycolipids and glycoproteins in their correct locations.
5. Check for understanding (5') – quick Kahoot quiz on locations and functional roles.
6. Summary discussion (5') – teacher elicits key points and links component distribution to lipid‑raft formation.

Review the three surface components and their positions, emphasizing how they together create a heterogeneous membrane surface. Have students write one exit‑ticket sentence describing why cholesterol is essential for fluidity. Assign a short homework: draw and label a cross‑section of the membrane, highlighting each component.