| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Biology |
| Lesson Topic: investigate the difference in activity between an enzyme immobilised in alginate and the same enzyme free in solution, and state the advantages of using immobilised enzymes |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe how enzyme immobilisation in alginate affects catalytic activity compared with a free enzyme.
- Explain the experimental procedure for comparing immobilised and free enzyme activity.
- Analyse rate data to determine the effects of diffusion and stability.
- Evaluate the advantages of immobilised enzymes in industrial contexts.
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Materials Needed:
- Alginate powder and calcium chloride solution
- Enzyme (e.g., catalase) and substrate (hydrogen peroxide)
- Spectrophotometer or colorimeter
- Cuvettes, pipettes, beakers
- Laboratory safety equipment (gloves, goggles)
- Projector and slide showing experimental design
- Worksheet for data recording
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Introduction:
Begin with a short video showing a packed‑bed reactor, prompting students to consider how enzymes might be reused. Recall that enzymes are catalysts whose activity can be influenced by their environment. Today’s success criteria are to design a comparative experiment, interpret the results, and articulate the benefits of immobilising enzymes.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5') – Quick questions on enzyme catalysis and influencing factors.
- Mini‑lecture (10') – Review immobilisation principles, experimental design, and show schematic diagram.
- Practical demonstration (20') – Teacher prepares alginate beads with enzyme, sets up parallel reactions; students record observations.
- Data analysis activity (15') – Groups calculate initial rates, plot graphs, compare Vmax and Km for both conditions.
- Guided discussion (10') – Discuss diffusion limitations, enhanced stability, and industrial advantages.
- Exit ticket (5') – Students write one advantage of immobilised enzymes and a lingering question.
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Conclusion:
Summarise that immobilised enzymes may show lower initial rates but greater stability and reusability. For the exit ticket, students note a key advantage and submit their data summary. Homework: read a case study on immobilised enzymes in food processing and prepare a brief reflection.
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