Lesson Plan

• Describe how glucose is immediately used in cellular respiration to supply ATP for growth and maintenance.
• Explain the conversion of glucose to sucrose and its transport through the phloem to sink tissues.
• Identify the main storage forms of carbohydrates (starch, fructans, vacuolar sucrose) and their typical locations in the plant.
• Summarise how carbohydrates are diverted to structural (cellulose, hemicellulose) and secondary metabolites.

• Projector and screen
• PowerPoint/Google Slides with flow‑diagram of carbohydrate movement
• Printed handouts of the carbohydrate storage table
• Worksheet with short answer and diagram‑label questions
• Sample plant material (e.g., potato or carrot) for a quick starch test
• Whiteboard and markers

Begin by asking, “What happens to the sugar a leaf makes on a bright day?” Connect this to prior learning of the photosynthesis equation and the role of glucose as an energy source. State that by the end of the lesson students will be able to outline how that sugar is used, transported, and stored within the plant.

1. Do‑now (5'): Quick quiz on photosynthesis basics – students write the equation and name the immediate product.
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Immediate use of glucose in cellular respiration – show a short animation and discuss energy needs.
3. Interactive diagram activity (15'): Using the projected flow diagram, students label steps of sucrose loading, transport, and unloading in pairs.
4. Group investigation (15'): Handout table of storage forms; groups match each form to its location and function, then present findings.
5. Check for understanding (5'): Exit‑ticket – one sentence summarising how a plant decides between storage and structural use.

Recap the pathway from photosynthetic glucose to respiration, transport, and storage, highlighting key locations and purposes. Collect exit tickets to gauge retention and assign a short homework: students create a labelled sketch of carbohydrate flow in a plant of their choice.