GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Introduction and Definitions
Measurement of Growth
Patterns and Rate of Growth
Factors Controlling Plant Growth

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
To distinguish between growth and development. To define growth as permanent increase in size and weight. To explain development as structural changes and differentiation. To relate growth to cell division and tissue formation.
To describe continuous and discontinuous growth patterns. To interpret growth curves for plants. To explain factors affecting growth rate. To calculate growth rates from given data.

Q/A: Review reproduction concepts. Discussion: Definition of growth vs development. Teacher exposition: Cell division, differentiation and tissue formation. Q/A: Examples of growth and development in organisms. Discussion: Growth as characteristic of living organisms.
Analysis of growth curves showing continuous vs discontinuous patterns. Teacher exposition: Growth phases A-B, B-C, C-D, D-E, E-F. Discussion: Environmental effects on growth patterns. Mathematical exercises: Calculating growth rates from data.

Charts showing growth and development, Textbook, Wall charts
Measuring instruments, Scales, Rulers, Calculators, Sample plants
Growth curve charts, Graph paper, Calculators, Sample data sets
Environmental factor charts, Temperature scales, Light meters if available, Textbook

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 178-179
Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 179-180

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Stages of Growth and Life Cycle
Seed Structure - Monocots and Dicots

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
To describe stages from seed to maturity. To distinguish between annuals and perennials. To identify vegetative and reproductive phases. To explain germination, primary and secondary growth.

Discussion: Plant life cycle from seed to maturity. Teacher exposition: Vegetative vs reproductive growth phases. Q/A: Differences between annuals and perennials with examples. Overview of germination, primary and secondary growth stages.

Plant life cycle charts, Examples of annual and perennial plants, Textbook
Soaked bean and maize seeds, Hand lens, Scalpels, Drawing materials, Iodine solution

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 181-182

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Conditions for Germination
Types of Germination

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
To identify conditions necessary for seed germination. To explain roles of water, oxygen and temperature in germination. To describe enzyme activation and food mobilization. To investigate scarification effects.

Detailed discussion: Water absorption, enzyme activation, hydrolysis reactions. Teacher exposition: Oxygen requirements for respiration and ATP production. Q/A: Temperature effects on enzyme activity. Discussion: Scarification and testa permeability. Demonstration of vernalization concept.

Germination apparatus, Seeds at different stages, Temperature monitoring equipment, Textbook
Germinating seeds at various stages, Drawing materials, Observation trays, Hand lens

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 183-184

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Germination Practical Investigation

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
To set up germination experiments for different seed types. To observe daily changes in germinating seeds. To record measurements and growth data. To compare germination patterns.

Practical work: Setting up germination experiments with bean and maize seeds. Daily observations and measurements of seedling growth. Recording data: root length, shoot height, leaf development. Drawing stages of germination over time. Data collection for growth rate calculations.

Seeds, Petri dishes, Cotton wool, Measuring rulers, Data recording sheets, Clay pots

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 200-201

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Primary Growth and Meristems
Secondary Growth and Cambium Activity

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
To describe primary growth in plants. To identify apical meristems and their functions. To explain tissue development from meristems. To relate meristem activity to plant growth.
To describe secondary growth in dicots. To explain vascular cambium and cork cambium functions. To identify secondary xylem and phloem formation. To relate secondary growth to plant strength and support.

Discussion: Primary growth in seedlings and herbaceous plants. Teacher exposition: Apical meristem structure and cell characteristics. Q/A: Meristem cell division and differentiation processes. Drawing diagrams showing meristem distribution in plants.
Detailed discussion: Secondary thickening in woody plants. Teacher exposition: Vascular cambium tangential divisions. Q/A: Secondary xylem and phloem development. Discussion: Cork cambium, lenticels and bark formation. Drawing cross-sections showing secondary tissues.

Meristem distribution charts, Drawing materials, Microscope slides of meristems, Textbook
Secondary growth diagrams, Tree trunk sections, Drawing materials, Hand lens

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 186-187
Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 186-188

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Annual Rings and Plant Dormancy

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
To explain annual ring formation in temperate trees. To describe factors causing plant dormancy. To identify dormancy in buds, seeds and organs. To explain dormancy advantages for plant survival.

Discussion: Annual growth seasons and ring formation. Teacher exposition: Environmental factors triggering dormancy. Q/A: Metabolic changes during dormancy periods. Discussion: Dormancy in bulbs, corms, rhizomes. Examples of seasonal dormancy in tropical plants.

Tree trunk cross-sections, Dormant plant organs, Charts, Textbook

Certificate Biology Form 3, Page 188

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Seed Dormancy and Breaking Mechanisms

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
To describe seed dormancy characteristics. To explain factors that break seed dormancy. To identify vernalization, moisture, light and chemical effects. To discuss advantages of seed dormancy.

Detailed discussion: Dormant seed characteristics and low metabolic activity. Teacher exposition: Vernalization, moisture, light requirements. Q/A: Chemical inhibitors and gibberellic acid effects. Discussion: Dormancy advantages - dispersal time, favorable conditions.

Dormant seeds, Germination comparison setups, Chemical solutions, Textbook

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 188-189

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Plant Growth Substances - Auxins

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
To describe discovery of plant hormones by Fritz Went. To explain auxin functions in stems, leaves, roots and fruits. To identify IAA structure and translocation. To discuss practical applications of auxins.

Teacher exposition: Went's experiments with oat coleoptiles and auxin discovery. Discussion: Auxin effects in different plant organs. Q/A: Apical dominance and parthenocarpy. Practical applications: rooting powders, herbicides, fruit development.

Auxin experiment diagrams, Plant cuttings, Rooting powder demonstration, Textbook

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 189-192

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Gibberellins, Cytokinins and Other Hormones
Practical Applications of Plant Hormones

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
To describe gibberellin functions and effects. To explain cytokinin roles in cell division and growth. To identify abscissic acid as growth inhibitor. To describe ethene and florigen effects.
To explain commercial uses of plant hormones. To describe hormone applications in agriculture and horticulture. To identify hormone uses in crop production. To discuss economic benefits of hormone applications.

Discussion: Gibberellin effects on stem elongation and seed germination. Teacher exposition: Cytokinin functions in meristematic tissues. Q/A: Abscissic acid antagonistic effects. Discussion: Ethene in fruit ripening and florigen in flowering.
Discussion: Commercial applications of auxins in propagation. Teacher exposition: Gibberellins in brewing and dwarf plant treatment. Q/A: Hormone use in fruit production and weed control. Case studies: Economic benefits in agriculture and horticulture.

Plant hormone effect charts, Ripening fruits, Textbook
Hormone application examples, Agricultural product samples, Case study materials

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 192-194
Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 191-194

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Animal Growth Patterns and Life Cycles

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
To distinguish continuous from discontinuous growth in animals. To describe sigmoid growth curve phases. To explain lag, exponential, decelerating and plateau phases. To compare growth patterns in different animal groups.

Analysis of sigmoid growth curves showing four phases. Teacher exposition: Continuous growth in mammals, birds, fish. Discussion: Discontinuous growth in insects and amphibians. Q/A: Factors affecting each growth phase.

Growth curve charts, Animal development examples, Graph paper, Textbook

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 193-194

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Complete Metamorphosis

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
To describe complete metamorphosis stages. To explain life cycle of housefly and butterfly. To identify egg, larva, pupa and adult stages. To discuss economic importance of insects with complete metamorphosis.

Detailed study: Housefly life cycle - egg, maggot, pupa, imago. Teacher exposition: Butterfly development - caterpillar, chrysalis, adult. Q/A: Structural and behavioral differences between stages. Discussion: Economic importance - pests, silk production.

Insect life cycle charts, Preserved specimens if available, Drawings, Textbook

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 195-198

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Incomplete Metamorphosis

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
To describe incomplete metamorphosis characteristics. To explain life cycles of cockroach and locust. To identify nymphal stages and molting process. To compare complete and incomplete metamorphosis.

Discussion: Egg to adult development through nymphal stages. Teacher exposition: Cockroach and locust life cycles. Q/A: Molting/ecdysis process and wing development. Comparison table: Complete vs incomplete metamorphosis.

Incomplete metamorphosis charts, Grasshopper specimens, Comparison tables, Textbook

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 198-199

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Hormonal Control of Growth in Animals
Growth Measurement Practical

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
To identify growth hormones in different animals. To explain human growth hormone from pituitary gland. To describe insect molting hormones - ecdysone and juvenile hormone. To explain thyroxine role in frog metamorphosis.
To measure plant growth over time. To record linear measurements and calculate growth rates. To plot growth curves from collected data. To analyze factors affecting growth differences.

Discussion: Growth hormone control in mammals. Teacher exposition: Pituitary gland and human growth regulation. Q/A: Insect hormone balance - ecdysone and neotonin effects. Discussion: Thyroxine control of amphibian metamorphosis.
Practical work: Long-term measurement of plant growth (height, leaf length). Data recording: Daily/weekly measurements over extended period. Mathematical analysis: Growth rate calculations. Graph plotting: Growth curves and growth rate curves.

Hormone control charts, Animal development diagrams, Textbook
Growing plants, Measuring rulers, Data recording sheets, Graph paper, Calculators

Certificate Biology Form 3, Page 199
Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 201-202

EVOLUTION

Meaning of Evolution and Origin of Life Theories

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Define evolution and organic evolution. Distinguish between special creation and chemical evolution theories. Explain the scientific approach to understanding life's origin.

Brainstorming on how life began. Discussion on religious vs scientific explanations. Exposition on chemical evolution theory. Comparison of different viewpoints.

Textbook, chalkboard, chalk

KLB Secondary Biology Form 4, Pages 53-55

EVOLUTION

Chemical Evolution and Miller's Experiment

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Describe Miller's spark discharge experiment. Explain formation of organic compounds from simple molecules. Understand primitive earth conditions.

Detailed exposition on Miller's experimental setup using chalkboard diagrams. Discussion on primitive atmosphere composition. Analysis of experimental results and significance.

Textbook, chalkboard, chalk, simple laboratory glassware for demonstration

KLB Secondary Biology Form 4, Pages 53-55

EVOLUTION

Evidence for Evolution - Fossil Records

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Define fossils and explain fossil formation. Describe types of fossils. Analyze fossil evidence for evolution. Understand geological time scale.

Exposition on fossil formation processes. Examination of any available fossil specimens or pictures. Discussion on fossil records of humans and other organisms. Timeline construction on chalkboard.

Textbook, any available fossil specimens, pictures from textbook, chalkboard, chalk

KLB Secondary Biology Form 4, Pages 55-62

EVOLUTION

Geographical Distribution and Comparative Embryology
Comparative Anatomy - Homologous Structures

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Explain biogeographical evidence for evolution. Describe continental drift effects on species distribution. Compare embryological development in vertebrates.
Define homologous structures. Examine pentadactyl limb in different vertebrates. Explain divergent evolution. Identify adaptive modifications.

Discussion on animal and plant distribution patterns. Examination of world map showing species distribution. Drawing embryological stages on chalkboard. Comparison of vertebrate embryos.
Practical examination of bone specimens or pictures. Drawing and labeling pentadactyl limbs of different animals. Discussion on common ancestry evidence. Comparison of limb modifications.

Textbook, world map, chalkboard, chalk
Textbook, bone specimens (if available), pictures of animal limbs, chalkboard, chalk, exercise books

KLB Secondary Biology Form 4, Pages 60-63
KLB Secondary Biology Form 4, Pages 63-67

EVOLUTION

Comparative Anatomy - Analogous and Vestigial Structures

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Define analogous and vestigial structures. Compare bird and insect wings. Give examples of vestigial organs. Explain convergent evolution.

Examination of bird and insect wing specimens. Drawing wing structures on chalkboard. Discussion on vestigial organs in humans and other animals. Examples of convergent evolution.

Textbook, wing specimens (bird feathers, insect specimens), chalkboard, chalk

KLB Secondary Biology Form 4, Pages 67-70

EVOLUTION

Cell Biology and Comparative Serology Evidence

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Describe cellular evidence for evolution. Explain biochemical similarities in organisms. Understand serological tests for evolutionary relationships.

Discussion on universal cellular features. Exposition on ATP, DNA similarities across species. Explanation of blood protein comparisons. Simple demonstration of precipitation reactions.

Textbook, chalkboard, chalk, simple solutions for demonstration (if available)

KLB Secondary Biology Form 4, Pages 69-70

EVOLUTION

Cell Biology and Comparative Serology Evidence

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Describe cellular evidence for evolution. Explain biochemical similarities in organisms. Understand serological tests for evolutionary relationships.

Discussion on universal cellular features. Exposition on ATP, DNA similarities across species. Explanation of blood protein comparisons. Simple demonstration of precipitation reactions.

Textbook, chalkboard, chalk, simple solutions for demonstration (if available)

KLB Secondary Biology Form 4, Pages 69-70

EVOLUTION

Lamarck's Theory vs Darwin's Theory
Natural Selection in Action

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Explain Lamarck's theory of acquired characteristics. Describe Darwin's theory of natural selection. Compare and contrast both theories. Understand scientific acceptance criteria.
Explain struggle for existence and survival of the fittest. Describe peppered moth example. Model cryptic coloration effects. Understand environmental selection pressures.

Exposition on Lamarck's giraffe example using chalkboard drawings. Detailed explanation of Darwin's natural selection theory. Comparison table construction. Discussion on scientific evidence.
Practical activity modeling cryptic coloration using paper cutouts. Discussion on peppered moth case study. Examples of predator-prey relationships. Analysis of selection pressures.

Textbook, chalkboard, chalk
White and black paper, scissors, textbook, chalkboard

KLB Secondary Biology Form 4, Pages 71-73
KLB Secondary Biology Form 4, Pages 73-75

EVOLUTION

Modern Examples of Evolution and Resistance

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Describe antibiotic and pesticide resistance. Explain sickle cell trait advantage in malaria areas. Understand ongoing evolutionary processes. Apply evolutionary principles to current issues.

Discussion on drug-resistant bacteria and insects. Case study of malaria and sickle cell trait. Examples of rapid evolutionary changes. Q/A session and topic review.

Textbook, local examples of pesticide resistance, chalkboard

KLB Secondary Biology Form 4, Pages 75-77

SUPPORT AND MOVEMENT

Importance of Support and Movement; Plant Support Strategies

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Explain the necessity for support in plants and animals. Describe importance of movement in organisms. Identify different support mechanisms in plants. Explain role of turgor pressure and alternative support methods.

Brainstorming on why organisms need support. Discussion on consequences of lack of support. Observation of local plants showing different support strategies. Practical experiment on wilting in herbaceous vs woody plants. Analysis of climbing plants and their support adaptations.

Textbook, chalkboard, chalk, local plant specimens, herbaceous and woody plants for wilting experiment

KLB Secondary Biology Form 4, Pages 120-121, 125-126

SUPPORT AND MOVEMENT

Tissue Arrangement in Monocot and Dicot Stems

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Describe arrangement of tissues in monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous stems. Compare tissue arrangements between monocots and dicots. Identify supporting tissues and their distribution.

Examination of fresh monocot and dicot stem cross-sections. Drawing and labeling tissue arrangements on chalkboard. Practical observation of vascular bundle patterns. Comparison of scattered vs ring arrangements. Discussion on supporting tissue distribution.

Textbook, chalkboard, chalk, fresh monocot stems (maize, sugarcane), fresh dicot stems (bean plants), razor blades, hand lenses

KLB Secondary Biology Form 4, Pages 121-125

SUPPORT AND MOVEMENT

Supporting Tissues in Plants and Their Functions

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Identify types of supporting tissues: collenchyma, sclerenchyma, xylem vessels, tracheids. Explain functions of each supporting tissue. Describe how these tissues provide mechanical strength. Compare tissue properties and locations.

Detailed exposition on supporting tissue types using diagrams. Discussion on tissue characteristics and functions. Examination of tissue examples in stem sections. Comparison of tissue properties and mechanical strength. Drawing tissue structures and arrangements.

Textbook, chalkboard, chalk, microscope slides (if available), fresh stem sections, exercise books

KLB Secondary Biology Form 4, Pages 121-125

SUPPORT AND MOVEMENT

Types of Animal Skeletons

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Identify three types of animal skeletons: hydrostatic, exoskeleton, endoskeleton. Compare structure, composition, and functions of each skeleton type. Explain advantages and disadvantages of different skeleton types.

Exposition on skeleton types using examples. Examination of arthropod specimens showing exoskeleton. Discussion on bone and cartilage as endoskeleton materials. Comparison table of skeleton characteristics. Analysis of evolutionary adaptations and growth limitations.

Textbook, chalkboard, chalk, arthropod specimens (grasshoppers, crabs), bone specimens, comparison charts

KLB Secondary Biology Form 4, Pages 126-127

SUPPORT AND MOVEMENT

Fish Locomotion - Structure and Mechanism

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Examine external features of bony fish related to locomotion. Identify different types of fins and their functions. Explain swimming mechanism and calculate tail power. Describe streamlined body adaptations.

Practical examination of fresh tilapia or similar fish. Identification and drawing of fins and body features. Discussion on streamlining and scale arrangement. Detailed exposition on swimming mechanism using diagrams. Practical calculation of tail power using fish measurements.

Textbook, fresh fish specimen, chalkboard, chalk, forceps, measuring tools, calculator, exercise books

KLB Secondary Biology Form 4, Pages 127-129

SUPPORT AND MOVEMENT

Human Axial Skeleton - Skull and Rib Cage
Vertebral Column - Cervical and Thoracic Vertebrae

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Describe structure and functions of human skull. Explain structure and function of rib cage. Understand protection and support roles. Identify bone features and adaptations.
Describe general structure of vertebrae. Identify features of cervical vertebrae including atlas and axis. Explain features and adaptations of thoracic vertebrae. Compare regional vertebrae differences.

Examination of skull and rib cage specimens or models. Drawing skull and rib cage structures. Discussion on brain and organ protection. Analysis of breathing movements and rib articulation. Identification of skull sutures and rib cage components.
Examination of cervical and thoracic vertebrae specimens. Drawing and labeling atlas, axis, and typical cervical vertebrae. Study of thoracic vertebrae and rib articulation points. Discussion on regional adaptations for function. Comparison of vertebrae features.

Textbook, chalkboard, chalk, skull and rib cage specimens, exercise books
Textbook, chalkboard, chalk, cervical and thoracic vertebrae specimens, exercise books

KLB Secondary Biology Form 4, Pages 130-131
KLB Secondary Biology Form 4, Pages 131-134

SUPPORT AND MOVEMENT

Vertebral Column - Lumbar, Sacral and Caudal Vertebrae

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Identify features of lumbar vertebrae and their weight-bearing adaptations. Describe structure of sacral vertebrae and sacrum formation. Explain structure of caudal vertebrae. Compare all vertebrae types.

Examination of lumbar, sacral, and caudal vertebrae specimens. Drawing large centrum and processes of lumbar vertebrae. Study of sacrum formation and fusion. Discussion on weight support and regional specializations. Complete vertebral column analysis.

Textbook, chalkboard, chalk, lumbar, sacral, and caudal vertebrae specimens, complete vertebral column

KLB Secondary Biology Form 4, Pages 134-136