| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Biology |
| Lesson Topic: describe the behaviour of chromosomes in plant and animal cells during the mitotic cell cycle and the associated behaviour of the nuclear envelope, the cell surface membrane and the spindle (names of the main stages of mitosis are expected: prophase, |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the behaviour of chromosomes, the nuclear envelope, the cell surface membrane and the spindle during each mitotic stage in plant and animal cells.
- Compare and contrast mitotic processes in plant versus animal cells, including the different cytokinetic mechanisms.
- Explain why spindle‑fiber dynamics and nuclear‑envelope re‑formation are essential for accurate chromosome segregation.
- Identify key structures (centrosomes, pre‑prophase band, cell plate) and state their roles in mitosis.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector and slide deck on mitosis
- Printed handouts with side‑by‑side plant and animal mitosis diagrams
- Microscope slides of plant and animal cells (optional)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Interactive simulation access (e.g., PhET or HHMI BioInteractive)
- Exit‑ticket cards or digital form
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Introduction:
Begin with a striking image of a dividing onion root tip and ask students what they notice about the chromosomes. Review the cell‑cycle phases they have already learned, then state the success criteria: students will be able to describe chromosome and membrane behaviour through each mitotic stage and compare plant and animal cells.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑Now (5'): Quick quiz on G1, S, G2 and the purpose of mitosis.
- Mini‑lecture with slides (10'): Overview of prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase and associated structural changes.
- Guided comparison activity (15'): Small groups examine handouts of plant vs animal mitosis, fill a Venn diagram highlighting similarities and differences.
- Interactive simulation (10'): Students manipulate an online mitosis animation, labeling each stage and noting nuclear‑envelope and spindle events.
- Check for understanding (5'): Think‑pair‑share answering three key questions posted on the board.
- Consolidation (5'): Teacher summarises key points; students complete an exit‑ticket with one fact they found surprising.
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Conclusion:
Recap the sequence of events and the main differences between plant and animal cells during mitosis. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign a homework task: create a labelled diagram of one mitotic stage for both a plant and an animal cell, highlighting the nuclear envelope, spindle and membrane changes.
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