| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Biology |
| Lesson Topic: describe the fluid mosaic model of membrane structure with reference to the hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions that account for the formation of the phospholipid bilayer and the arrangement of proteins |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the fluid mosaic model and its major components.
- Explain how hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions drive phospholipid bilayer formation.
- Identify the different types of membrane proteins and their arrangement within the bilayer.
- Analyse how fatty‑acid composition, cholesterol, and temperature influence membrane fluidity.
- Apply the model to predict effects of membrane‑composition changes on transport and signalling.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector or interactive whiteboard
- PowerPoint/Google Slides presentation with diagrams
- Printed handout of a membrane diagram
- Model kit of phospholipid molecules (colored beads)
- Worksheet with labeling and short‑answer questions
- Exit‑ticket cards
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Introduction:
Begin with a quick animation showing oil droplets forming a sphere in water to highlight the hydrophobic effect. Ask students to recall what they know about phospholipid structure and how water interacts with polar and non‑polar regions. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to describe the fluid mosaic model and justify protein placement using these interactions.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5'): Students label a blank phospholipid on a worksheet, reinforcing head‑tail orientation.
- Mini‑lecture (10'): Present key components and bilayer formation using slides and the bead model.
- Interactive simulation (8'): Online activity where students drag proteins into a membrane, observing mobility differences.
- Guided inquiry (12'): Small groups analyse a diagram of the fluid mosaic model, answering questions about protein types and fluidity factors.
- Check for understanding (5'): Whole‑class click‑vote quiz on hydrophobic/hydrophilic forces and cholesterol’s role.
- Summary & exit ticket (5'): Students write one sentence summarising how interactions determine membrane structure and hand in an exit ticket.
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Conclusion:
Review the main points: phospholipid heads face water, tails form the interior, and proteins are positioned according to their affinity for these regions. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and address any lingering misconceptions. Assign a brief homework: create a labelled sketch of a fluid mosaic membrane highlighting the forces discussed.
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