reproduction and hormones
4 detailed 50-minute lessons with teaching scripts, worked examples, parent guides, and assessment criteria.
Lesson Overview
Total Lessons: 4
Tier: Foundation and Higher
Duration: 50 minutes per lesson (200 minutes total)
Exam Boards: AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Eduqas, CCEA
Tier: Foundation and Higher
Duration: 50 minutes per lesson (200 minutes total)
Exam Boards: AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Eduqas, CCEA
Learning Objectives
- Explain the key ideas of reproduction and hormones
- Apply reproduction and hormones to exam-style questions
- Develop independent study skills
- Build cross-topic connections
Prerequisites
- Read the revision notes for reproduction and hormones first (GCSE Revise summary)
- Key vocab to pre-teach: Reproduction and Hormones
- Basic skills: reading the summary notes and answering the practice questions there
Materials & Equipment
- Exercise book, coloured pens
- Scientific calculator
- Ruler
- Printed revision notes (link below)
- Internet for videos (see Resources)
Lesson 1: Introduction: reproduction and hormones
Duration: 50 minutes
Starter Activity (5 minutes)
Quick Recall
Write down everything you already know about reproduction and hormones. Then check against the key terms: Reproduction and Hormones. Use a mini-whiteboard or paper.
Main Content (35 minutes)
Parent/Teacher Guide:
Before lesson: Read the script below. Pre-teach key vocab: Reproduction and Hormones.
If stuck: Re-read the revision notes (link above), then break the content into smaller steps.
Extension: See the Stretch & Challenge ideas in Lesson 4.
Before lesson: Read the script below. Pre-teach key vocab: Reproduction and Hormones.
If stuck: Re-read the revision notes (link above), then break the content into smaller steps.
Extension: See the Stretch & Challenge ideas in Lesson 4.
Teaching Script (35 mins):
Mins 0-5 - Hook: "Today: reproduction and hormones. By the end you will be able to answer exam questions on it unaided. It connects to the rest of Combined Science (Trilogy) because the ideas here recur across the spec."
Mins 5-20 - Direct Instruction: Work through the core ideas below one at a time; after each, ask your student to explain it back in their own words.
Mins 20-30 - Guided Practice: Model the worked example together, then let your student attempt the first practice question with guidance.
Mins 30-35 - Independent Practice: 2-3 practice questions from Lesson 3 below, with immediate feedback.
Mins 0-5 - Hook: "Today: reproduction and hormones. By the end you will be able to answer exam questions on it unaided. It connects to the rest of Combined Science (Trilogy) because the ideas here recur across the spec."
Mins 5-20 - Direct Instruction: Work through the core ideas below one at a time; after each, ask your student to explain it back in their own words.
Mins 20-30 - Guided Practice: Model the worked example together, then let your student attempt the first practice question with guidance.
Mins 30-35 - Independent Practice: 2-3 practice questions from Lesson 3 below, with immediate feedback.
First Look
Start with the revision notes summary, then attempt: Name the four hormones that control the menstrual cycle. For each hormone, state where it is produced and its main function.
Plenary (5 minutes)
Check Out
Your student states one thing they learned and one question they still have about reproduction and hormones.
Lesson 2: Core Concepts: reproduction and hormones
Duration: 50 minutes
Starter Activity (5 minutes)
Review Previous Lesson
Quick recap: write 3 key points from Lesson 1 on reproduction and hormones. Check them against the notes below.
Main Content (35 minutes)
Reproduction and Hormones: The menstrual cycle is controlled by four main hormones. These hormones can be used in contraception and in fertility treatments such as IVF.
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) | Pituitary gland | Causes an egg to mature in the ovary (inside a follicle). Stimulates the ovaries to produce oestrogen. |
| LH (luteinising hormone) | Pituitary gland | Triggers ovulation (release of the mature egg from the ovary). Stimulates the remains of the follicle to develop into a corpus luteum. |
| Oestrogen | Ovaries | Builds up and maintains the uterus lining. Inhibits further FSH production (negative feedback). Stimulates LH release. |
| Progesterone | Ovary (corpus luteum) | Maintains the uterus lining during pregnancy. Inhibits both FSH and LH release (prevents another egg from being released). |
| Combined pill (oral contraceptive) | Contains oestrogen and progesterone. Inhibits FSH production so no egg matures. | Over 99% effective if taken correctly. Can reduce period pain. |
| Progesterone-only pill / injection / implant | Progesterone inhibits FSH and LH (prevents ovulation). Also thickens cervical mucus to block sperm. | Effective. Long-acting options (injection lasts 3 months, implant lasts 3 years). |
| Condom (barrier method) | Prevents sperm from reaching the egg. Physical barrier. | Protects against STIs. No side effects from hormones. Easily available. |
| IUD (intrauterine device) | Prevents implantation of a fertilised egg. Hormonal IUDs also release progesterone. | Long-lasting (5-10 years). Very effective. |
Practice (10 minutes)
Q: Name the four hormones that control the menstrual cycle. For each hormone, state where it is produced and its main function.
Answer: FSH — produced by pituitary gland, causes egg maturation and stimulates oestrogen production. LH — produced by pituitary gland, triggers ovulation. Oestrogen — produced by ovaries, builds up uterus lining and inhibits FSH. Progesterone — produced by corpus luteum (ovary), maintains uterus lining and inhibits FSH and LH.
Plenary (5 minutes)
Explain Back
Your student teaches the key points back to you without looking. Fill any gaps immediately.
Lesson 3: Application: reproduction and hormones
Duration: 50 minutes
Starter Activity (5 minutes)
Quick Recall
Recall the key terms: Reproduction and Hormones. Define each in one sentence.
Main Content (35 minutes)
Parent/Teacher Guide: Let your student attempt each question alone first, then compare with the model answer. Award method marks for correct working even if the final answer is wrong.
Q1: Name the four hormones that control the menstrual cycle. For each hormone, state where it is produced and its main function.
Answer: FSH — produced by pituitary gland, causes egg maturation and stimulates oestrogen production. LH — produced by pituitary gland, triggers ovulation. Oestrogen — produced by ovaries, builds up uterus lining and inhibits FSH. Progesterone — produced by corpus luteum (ovary), maintains uterus lining and inhibits FSH and LH.
Q2: Explain how oestrogen and progesterone act as negative feedback controls in the menstrual cycle.
Answer: Oestrogen inhibits FSH production (prevents further egg maturation when an egg is already developing). Progesterone inhibits both FSH and LH (prevents another egg from being released while the uterus lining is being maintained). This negative feedback ensures only one egg matures and is released per cycle.
Q3: Describe how the combined oral contraceptive pill prevents pregnancy.
Answer: The combined pill contains oestrogen and progesterone. Oestrogen inhibits FSH so no egg matures in the ovaries. Progesterone also inhibits FSH and LH, preventing ovulation. Without an egg being released, pregnancy cannot occur.
Q4: Outline the steps involved in IVF treatment and explain why FSH and LH are given at the start.
Answer: Steps: (1) Give FSH and LH to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs (superovulation). (2) Collect eggs from the ovaries. (3) Fertilise eggs with sperm in the lab. (4) Allow embryos to develop. (5) Implant 1-2 embryos into the uterus. FSH and LH are given because the woman may not be producing enough naturally to stimulate ovulation — these hormones ensure multiple eggs mature and are released for collection.
Q5: Give two ethical issues associated with IVF treatment.
Answer: Any two from: some embryos are created but not all are used/implanted (may be destroyed, raising right-to-life concerns); IVF is expensive and not equally available; multiple births carry health risks; emotional stress of failed treatments; religious objections to fertilisation outside the body.
Plenary (5 minutes)
Error Review
Review any questions answered incorrectly. Identify whether the error was knowledge, method, or reading the question.
Lesson 4: Exam Practice: reproduction and hormones
Duration: 50 minutes
Starter Activity (5 minutes)
Command Words
Review what these command words require: state (one point), describe (say what happens), explain (say why), compare (both sides), evaluate (judgement).
Main Content (35 minutes)
Extended Answer
Extended question: Extended Answer 6 marks: Explain how hormones control the menstrual cycle and discuss IVF ethics. <div class="
FSH, released by the pituitary gland, causes an egg to mature in the ovary and stimulates the ovaries to produce oestrogen. Oestrogen builds up the uterus lining, inhibits further FSH production (negative feedback), and stimulates LH release. LH, also from the pituitary gland, triggers ovulation (release of the egg) around day 14. After ovulation, progesterone maintains the uterus lining and inhibits both FSH and LH to prevent another egg maturing. If no embryo implants, progesterone falls, the uterus lining breaks down, and the cycle restarts. IVF raises ethical issues: surplus embryos may be destroyed, which some believe is unethical; it is expensive and not equally available; multiple births carry health risks; and some religious groups object to fertilisation outside the body. However, IVF gives infertile couples the chance to have a child, which is a significant benefit. Mark scheme: 1 mark — FSH causes egg maturation and stimulates oestrogen; 1 mark — oestrogen builds uterus lining and inhibits FSH; 1 mark — LH triggers ovulation; 1 mark — progesterone maintains lining and inhibits FSH/LH; 1 mark — at least one ethical issue explained; 1 mark — balanced consideration (benefit
Exam Tips: Learn all four hormones, where they are produced, and what they do — this is very commonly tested | FSH and LH are produced by the PITUITARY GLAND; oestrogen and progesterone by the OVARIES | Remember: oestrogen INHIBITS FSH; progesterone INHIBITS FSH and LH — these are negative feedback | When asked about contraception, explain HOW it works at a hormonal level (not just "it prevents pregnancy") | For IVF, always mention FSH and LH at the start to stimulate superovulation | Don't confuse FSH with LH: FSH matures the egg, LH triggers ovulation (release) | When discussing ethical issues, give balanced points and explain both sides | The "in vitro" in IVF means "in glass" (in the lab), not insi
Common Errors: Watch Out! 1. IVF always works. Wrong: IVF has a 100% success rate. Correct: IVF success rate is approximately 25–30% per cycle for women under 35, and decreases with age — multiple cycles may be needed. 2. The contraceptive pill is 100% effective. Wrong: the pill completely guarantees no pregnancy. Correct: the combined pill is over 99% effective with perfect use, but with typical use (occasionally missing pills) it is about 91% effective.
AO3 - Reasoning & Interpretation: Analysis and Evaluation The table shows IVF success rates by age: under 35 = 29%, 35–37 = 23%, 38–39 = 15%, 40–42 = 8%, over 42 = 3%. Describe the trend in the data and suggest biological reasons for the pattern. A 41-year-old woman is considering IVF. Using the data, evaluate whether she should proceed and what factors she should consider.
Stretch & Challenge (Grade 8-9):
- Synoptic links: explain how reproduction and hormones connects to another Combined Science (Trilogy) topic you have studied
- Real-world: research one real-world use or example of reproduction and hormones
- Critical: "What are the limitations of the models used in reproduction and hormones?"
Plenary (5 minutes)
Assessment Criteria
- Got it: Confident explanation + correct worked examples
- Getting there: Main points OK, needs support with detail
- Not yet: Confused on key concepts - re-run Lesson 2
Homework & Consolidation
- Consolidation: Re-answer any Lesson 3 practice questions answered incorrectly (20 mins)
- Retrieval: Write flashcards for the key terms: Reproduction and Hormones (10 mins)
- Exam practice: One past-paper question on reproduction and hormones from the board websites (15 mins)
- Extension: Explain reproduction and hormones to someone else in your own words (10 mins)