How the Immune System Works
Free to teach as-is — the teacher guide, student handout, and slides are included.
Free — we'll email you an access link. Google Docs format.
Objective
I can analyze how the innate and adaptive immune systems interact to protect the body from pathogens.
Part 1 of 4
Warm-up video
Khan Academy · 8:07Vetted channel
We don't generate video — this one is by Khan Academy on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.
Part 2 of 4
Key concepts
3 concepts
- 1
The innate immune system is nonspecific, meaning it responds to general threats without recognizing specific pathogens.
- 2
Lymphocytes, including B cells and T cells, are the main actors in the adaptive immune system, which develops after exposure to antigens.
- 3
B lymphocytes participate in the humoral response, which targets pathogens in bodily fluids, while T lymphocytes participate in the cell-mediated response, which targets infected cells.
Part 3 of 4
Practice
12 questions
What is the primary difference between the innate and adaptive immune systems?
Which of the following is an example of a first line barrier in the nonspecific immune system?
Part 4 of 4
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Explain how the innate and adaptive immune systems work together to protect the body from a virus that is initially floating in the body's fluids but later infects cells.”
Sample answer included in the free materials
Get the materials
Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format
Teacher Guide
Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities
Student Handout
Printable worksheet
Slides
Ready to present
We'll ask for your email to send your access link — nothing else.
Teaching a group at a different level?
Where are your students right now? We'll rebuild this lesson to match — including the teacher guide, student handout, and slides, saved to your Google Drive.
Adapt This Lesson