Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Biology
Lesson Topic: explain that a gene mutation is a result of substitution or deletion or insertion of nucleotides in DNA and outline how each of these types of mutation may affect the polypeptide produced
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe how substitution, deletion, and insertion mutations alter the DNA sequence.
  • Explain the impact of each mutation type on mRNA codons and the resulting polypeptide.
  • Compare silent, missense, nonsense, and frameshift mutations in terms of protein function.
  • Predict phenotypic consequences of different mutation types.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • PowerPoint slides summarising mutation types
  • Handout with mutation‑effect table
  • DNA model kits or online simulation tool
  • Worksheets for classification practice
  • Exit‑ticket cards
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video clip showing a DNA strand being edited, prompting students to consider how small changes can have big effects. Review prior knowledge of DNA transcription and translation, ensuring learners recall codon‑amino acid relationships. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify mutation types and predict their effect on a protein.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students answer a short question on codon reading from a previous worksheet.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Present substitution, deletion, and insertion with examples using slides.
  3. Guided practice (12'): In pairs, classify a set of mutation scenarios on a handout, referencing the summary table.
  4. Interactive simulation (8'): Use an online DNA mutation tool to model frameshift vs. in‑frame changes and observe protein output.
  5. Check for understanding (5'): Whole‑class quiz via clickers; discuss answers.
Conclusion:
Summarise how each mutation type influences the polypeptide’s length or composition, reinforcing the link to protein function. Students complete an exit ticket describing which mutation would most likely produce a non‑functional protein and why. Assign homework to research a real‑world genetic disease caused by a specific mutation type.