This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Biology GCSE, particularly the ‘Homeostasis’ SoW and specifically for the higher tier.
 
The lesson begins with an overview of the function of the four main lobes of the brain, pupils will be given cards of information which they need to use to complete a table on these functions.
 
Pupils will then be introduced to further structures which they are required to know the functions of: medulla, cerebellum, hypothalamus and cerebral cortex. Pupils will need to use posters to complete a worksheet where they label a diagram of the brain and outline the roles of each of these structures. Following this is a card sort where pupils can assess their understanding of what they have just learnt.
 
The next part of the lesson focuses on how scientists and doctors have gained evidence for the structure and function of the brain.
 
Firstly students will watch a video and answers questions on Phineas Gage, which can be self-assessed once complete. This will then go on to describe the role of electrical brain stimulation and MRI scans in providing knowledge about the brain. This is assessed with a copy and complete summary sentence task and finally the plenary is a 6-mark exam question.