Peptides & Cell Communication
How do cells send, receive and interpret messages?
Begin with curiosity.
Why does one signal affect some cells but not others?
Observe a phenomenon, make a prediction, investigate a simplified model, evaluate evidence and explain the result.
How do peptides differ from genes?
Observe a phenomenon, make a prediction, investigate a simplified model, evaluate evidence and explain the result.
Understanding becomes something you can do.
Relate peptide structure to signalling roles
Suggested learning goal; not a measured or accredited outcome.
Explain receptor specificity at a conceptual level
Suggested learning goal; not a measured or accredited outcome.
Trace a signal through a simplified cellular pathway
Suggested learning goal; not a measured or accredited outcome.
A classroom-ready inquiry structure.
01 / Observe
Start with: “Why does one signal affect some cells but not others?” Describe what is known, what is observed and what remains unclear.
DISCUSSIONFORMATIVE ASSESSMENTINQUIRY02 / Predict
Invite learners to offer at least two possible explanations and predict how a change in conditions might affect the outcome.
DISCUSSIONFORMATIVE ASSESSMENTINQUIRY03 / Experiment
Use an age-appropriate visual or simplified model. Change one variable at a time and document the result; do not perform clinical or biological interventions.
DISCUSSIONFORMATIVE ASSESSMENTINQUIRY04 / Verify
Compare observations with the original prediction. Identify model assumptions, alternative explanations and missing empirical evidence.
DISCUSSIONFORMATIVE ASSESSMENTINQUIRY05 / Explain
Ask learners to communicate a claim, its supporting observations, its limitations and the next question they would investigate.
DISCUSSIONFORMATIVE ASSESSMENTINQUIRYWhere could this question lead next?
The Language of Life
How does biological information become a living organism?
Metabolism & GLP-1
How does the body coordinate hunger, energy and weight?
Longevity & Ageing
Why do organisms age—and what can research actually establish?
Proposed curriculum content for educator review and piloting. No accreditation or formal curriculum alignment is implied.