Lesson Plan

Glycolysis Simplified

Help a 6th grader grasp the glycolysis pathway by identifying its three main stages—splitting, converting, and harvesting energy—and naming key molecules in a 25-minute, one-on-one session.

Glycolysis underpins how the body produces energy. Breaking it into simple stages with hands-on puzzles and personalized coaching boosts understanding and confidence in science.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Review Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up Discussion

4 minutes

Step 2

Slide Presentation

6 minutes

Step 3

Puzzle Activity

7 minutes

Step 4

One-on-One Coaching

8 minutes

Slide Deck

Glycolysis: Unlocking Energy

Welcome the student. Introduce yourself and explain today’s goal: to see how our cells turn sugar into energy in three simple stages.

Energy in Cells

Explain ATP as the cell’s battery. Ask: “What powers your phone? How do you think cells get their power?”

Stage 1: Splitting Sugar

Use a chocolate bar or picture. Emphasize splitting big sugar into small pieces so it fits inside the cell’s ‘oven’.

Stage 2: Converting Pieces

Show how the pieces get ‘dressed up’ with helpers (enzymes). Compare to cutting fruit or adding toppings.

Stage 3: Harvesting Energy

Highlight ATP & NADH as the ‘coins’ of energy. Use a phone-charging analogy.

Quick Recap

Review each step and molecule. Ask the student to name the three stages and key outputs.