Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Biology
Lesson Topic: explain that during oxidative phosphorylation: hydrogen atoms split into protons and energetic electrons, energetic electrons release energy as they pass through the electron transport chain (details of carriers are not expected), the released energy
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe how hydrogen atoms are split into protons and electrons during oxidative phosphorylation.
  • Explain how the energy released by electrons moving through the ETC drives proton pumping.
  • Illustrate how the proton gradient powers ATP synthase to produce ATP.
  • Identify the role of oxygen as the final electron acceptor.
  • Predict the effect of inhibiting the ETC on overall ATP production.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • PowerPoint slides or digital diagram of a mitochondrion
  • Handout with summary table and flow‑chart worksheet
  • Physical model of a mitochondrion (plastic or 3‑D printed)
  • Clicker/quiz cards for formative checks
  • Exit‑ticket slips
Introduction:
Begin with a quick think‑pair‑share: what would happen to a cell’s energy supply if oxygen were removed? Review that NADH and FADH₂ deliver hydrogen atoms into the mitochondrion. Today’s success criteria are to trace the fate of those hydrogen atoms and explain how their energy ends up as ATP.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students label a blank mitochondrion diagram (matrix, inner membrane, inter‑membrane space).
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Explain hydrogen atom split, electron flow, and proton pumping using slides.
  3. Guided walkthrough (12’) – Walk through the step‑by‑step overview; students complete a flow‑chart worksheet.
  4. Interactive simulation (8’) – Online ETC animation; students note where energy is released.
  5. Think‑pair‑share (5’) – Discuss why oxygen is essential; teacher confirms with the reduction equation.
  6. Formative check (5’) – Clicker quiz on key steps and ATP synthesis.
Conclusion:
Summarise how the split hydrogen atoms generate a proton gradient that drives ATP synthase. Students complete an exit ticket stating one surprising insight and one lingering question. For homework, they write a short paragraph linking oxidative phosphorylation to the overall process of cellular respiration.