Lesson Plan

• Describe the major components of the biological approach (neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, genetics, endocrinology).
• Explain how key research methods (lesion studies, brain imaging, pharmacological manipulation, twin studies) provide evidence for biological explanations of behaviour.
• Evaluate the strengths and limitations of the biological approach and discuss its integration with other perspectives.
• Apply knowledge of neurotransmitters and hormones to explain specific mental‑health disorders.

• Projector and screen
• PowerPoint slides with brain diagrams and study tables
• Handouts summarising key studies and neurotransmitter functions
• Whiteboard and markers
• Worksheet for case‑study analysis
• Internet access for short PET/fMRI video clips

Begin with a striking brain scan image and ask, “What part of this picture tells us why we feel happy or scared?” Connect to students’ prior knowledge of the brain from previous lessons. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify the main biological explanations for behaviour and judge their usefulness.

1. Do‑Now (5’): Quick quiz on basic brain regions (multiple‑choice on screen).
2. Mini‑lecture (10’): Overview of the biological approach – neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, genetics, endocrinology.
3. Research Methods Gallery Walk (12’): Stations with summaries of lesion studies, PET/fMRI, pharmacology, twin studies; students note strengths/limitations.
4. Case‑Study Analysis (10’): Small groups examine Phineas Gage and HM handouts, answer “What does this tell us about brain‑behaviour links?”
5. Class Discussion (8’): Synthesize findings, compare biological explanations with social‑cultural perspectives.
6. Check for Understanding (5’): Exit ticket – one sentence describing a strength and one limitation of the biological approach.

Recap the four pillars of the biological approach and how each research method contributes evidence. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign a short homework: write a 150‑word paragraph linking a neurotransmitter imbalance to a real‑world mental‑health issue.