Lesson Plan Title:
Grade 7 Natural Sciences Lesson Plan: Photosynthesis
Materials Needed:
– Textbook (Natural Sciences Grade 7)
– Photosynthesis diagram handout
– Whiteboard and markers
– Projector and laptop for video presentation
– Plant samples (optional but beneficial)
– Worksheet for guided practice
– Exit ticket slips
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Define photosynthesis and its importance to plants.
2. Identify the reactants and products of the photosynthesis process.
3. Describe the process of photosynthesis using the correct terminology.
4. Explain the role of sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide in photosynthesis.
5. Relate photosynthesis to the energy flow within a food web.
Vocabulary:
1. Photosynthesis – The process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesise food from carbon dioxide and water.
2. Chlorophyll – The green pigment in plants that absorbs light energy used to carry out photosynthesis.
3. Reactants – Substances that take part in and undergo change during a reaction.
4. Products – Substances that are produced in a reaction.
5. Glucose – A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms and is a component of many carbohydrates.
Previous Learning:
Students have previously learned about the basic structure of plant cells, focusing on the roles of chloroplasts and chlorophyll in photosynthesis. They are familiar with the concept of energy and its different forms.
Anticipated Challenges and Solutions:
– Challenge: Students might struggle with understanding chemical equations.
– Solution: Use visual aids and hands-on activities to illustrate the process simply.
– Challenge: Difficulty in remembering key terminology.
– Solution: Incorporate repetition and mnemonic devices.
– Challenge: Connecting photosynthesis to broader ecological systems.
– Solution: Use real-life examples and relate to prior knowledge about food webs.
Beginning Activities: (10%)
1. Introduction: (4 minutes) Begin with a question to activate prior knowledge: “What do plants need to grow?” Write students’ responses on the board.
2. Learning Objectives: (2 minutes) Briefly go over the learning objectives for the lesson.
3. Engage: (2 minutes) Show a short video on plant photosynthesis to pique interest.
4. Discuss: (2 minutes) Ask students to share something they learned from the video.
Middle Activities: (80%)
1. Direct Instruction: (15 minutes) Explain the process of photosynthesis using a diagram on the whiteboard. Highlight the role of sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and chlorophyll.
– Interactive Element: Ask students to label parts of the photosynthesis equation on a diagram handout.
2. Guided Practice: (15 minutes) Distribute worksheets that require matching terms (reactants, products) and placing steps of the photosynthesis process in order.
– Group Activity: Arrange students in small groups to discuss and complete the worksheet.
3. Independent Practice: (10 minutes) Provide an individual task where students write a paragraph explaining photosynthesis in their words, using all key vocabulary.
4. Hands-on Activity: (10 minutes) If available, use plant samples to show leaves and discuss their role in photosynthesis.
5. Q&A: (5 minutes) Allow time for students to ask questions and clarify any misunderstandings.
End Activities: (10%)
1. Exit Ticket Activity: (6 minutes) Ask students to complete a quick exit ticket with two questions:
– “What are the reactants and products of photosynthesis?”
– “Why is photosynthesis important for plants?”
2. Review Objectives: (2 minutes) Recap the learning objectives and relate them to the lesson’s activities.
3. Closing: (2 minutes) Provide a summary of the day’s lesson and preview the next topic.
Assessment and Checks for Understanding:
– Interactive discussion and questioning.
– Worksheet completion during guided practice.
– Paragraph explanation during independent practice.
– Exit tickets to check for understanding of key concepts.
Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners:
– Scaffolding: Provide sentence starters for the paragraph writing task.
– Extension Activities: Offer additional reading on photosynthesis and its importance within ecosystems for advanced learners.
– Support: Pair struggling students with peers for group activities to facilitate understanding.
Teaching Notes:
– Emphasise the importance of photosynthesis within the broader ecosystem, highlighting how it contributes to energy flow and human life.
– Use diverse teaching methods (visual, auditory, kinaesthetic) to cater to various learning styles.
– Ensure all digital content is accessible, including providing captions for videos, and consider visual aids for students with hearing or visual impairments.
This lesson plan provides clear, structured activities aligned with CAPS curriculum objectives, ensuring effective and engaging learning for Grade 7 students.