Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Biology
Lesson Topic: explain that in non-cyclic photophosphorylation: photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII) are both involved, photoactivation of chlorophyll occurs, the oxygen-evolving complex catalyses the photolysis of water, ATP and reduced NADP are synthesis
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the roles of PSI and PSII in non‑cyclic photophosphorylation.
  • Explain how photoactivation of chlorophyll initiates electron flow.
  • Outline the function of the oxygen‑evolving complex in water photolysis.
  • Summarise how the proton gradient drives ATP synthesis.
  • Trace the reduction of NADP⁺ to NADPH at the end of the electron transport chain.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • PowerPoint slides or digital diagram of linear electron flow
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Handout summarising the steps of non‑cyclic photophosphorylation
  • Model of a thylakoid membrane (optional)
  • Exit‑ticket cards
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick animation of sunlight striking a leaf, asking students what they think happens inside the chloroplasts. Recall that they already know the basics of light‑dependent reactions and the concept of electron transport. Explain that today they will unpack the detailed sequence of non‑cyclic photophosphorylation, and they will be able to label each step by the end of the lesson.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students label a blank diagram of PSI and PSII on a worksheet (quick check of prior knowledge).
  2. Direct instruction (10'): Teacher presents a PowerPoint overview of linear electron flow, highlighting light absorption, water splitting, and electron transport.
  3. Guided activity (12'): In pairs, students use a thylakoid model to trace electron movement from PSII to PSI, completing a flow‑chart.
  4. Concept check (8'): Clicker quiz on photoactivation, OEC function, and ATP synthase.
  5. Application (10'): Students write a short paragraph explaining how the proton gradient powers ATP synthesis.
  6. Summary & questions (5'): Teacher revisits the six‑step table, addresses misconceptions, and answers final questions.
Conclusion:
Review the six key stages of non‑cyclic photophosphorylation, emphasizing the cooperative roles of PSI and PSII in producing ATP and NADPH. Collect exit tickets where each student records one step they found most challenging and one lingering question. For homework, assign students to create a clearly labelled diagram of the linear electron flow to be displayed in the next lesson.