Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 18/01/2026
Subject: Biology
Lesson Topic: outline the hybridoma method for the production of monoclonal antibodies
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the hybridoma technique and its purpose in monoclonal antibody production.
  • Explain each key step from immunisation to expansion, including the role of HAT medium and PEG.
  • Evaluate screening methods for selecting antibody‑producing hybridomas.
  • Apply aseptic techniques and safety considerations during the procedure.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen for slide presentation.
  • Printed handout of the hybridoma workflow diagram.
  • Micropipettes, sterile tips, and 96‑well plates.
  • PEG solution, HAT medium, RPMI‑1640 with 10 % FCS.
  • Mouse antigen preparation and myeloma cell line (e.g., SP2/0).
  • ELISA plates and reagents for antibody screening.
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video clip showing how monoclonal antibodies have transformed modern medicine, prompting students to consider how a single antibody can be produced in large quantities. Review prior knowledge of B‑cell immunity and the concept of cell fusion. State that by the end of the lesson students will be able to outline each stage of the hybridoma method and justify key reagents.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5'): Students answer “Why are monoclonal antibodies valuable compared to polyclonal antibodies?” (written response).
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Overview of the hybridoma concept with slides.
  3. Guided walkthrough (15'): Teacher walks through each step using the flowchart handout; students annotate their copies.
  4. Small‑group activity (15'): Card‑based simulation of fusion and selection; groups decide which cells survive in HAT medium.
  5. Screening demonstration (10'): Live ELISA data shown; students interpret results to identify positive wells.
  6. Check for understanding (5'): Exit ticket – students write one key reagent and its purpose for each stage.
Conclusion:
Summarise how immunisation, fusion, selection, screening, cloning and expansion combine to generate monoclonal antibodies. Ask students to complete an exit ticket naming one challenge in hybridoma production and a strategy to address it. Assign homework to read a short article on therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and prepare a one‑paragraph reflection.