Lesson Plan

Resources → Subject Notes → Biology → Notes
Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 18/01/2026
Subject: Biology
Lesson Topic: Explain how the structure of a villus helps absorption of digested food in the small intestine.
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the structural components of a small intestinal villus.
  • Explain how each component enhances nutrient absorption.
  • Compare the pathways for water‑soluble nutrients and lipids.
  • Evaluate how villus movement aids transport of absorbed substances.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • PowerPoint slides with villus diagram
  • Printed worksheet with label‑the‑villus activity
  • 3D villus model or replica (if available)
  • Markers and whiteboard
  • Exit‑ticket cards
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick animation showing food moving through the small intestine to capture interest. Ask students what they already know about how nutrients get into the body and record responses on the board. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to describe how the villus structure maximises absorption.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students answer a short question on a worksheet – “Why is surface area important for absorption?” – and share responses.
  2. Teacher input (10'): PowerPoint presentation covering villus anatomy and each structural feature.
  3. Guided practice (10'): Paired activity to label a diagram, matching villus parts to their functions.
  4. Interactive demonstration (10'): Use a 3D model to show capillary and lacteal uptake of different nutrients; discuss.
  5. Formative check (5'): Quick Kahoot quiz on key points; clarify misconceptions.
Conclusion:
Summarise how the villus’s shape, microvilli, blood capillaries, lacteal, and muscular core work together to optimise absorption. Have students complete an exit ticket stating one way each nutrient type is transported. Assign a short homework: create a concept map linking villus structures to their functions.