Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Biology
Lesson Topic: describe and draw the general structure of an amino acid and the formation and breakage of a peptide bond
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the general structure of an α‑amino acid, naming its functional groups.
  • Identify how the side‑chain (R) determines amino‑acid identity.
  • Explain the condensation reaction that forms a peptide bond between two amino acids.
  • Illustrate the release of water during peptide‑bond formation.
  • Describe the hydrolysis reaction that breaks a peptide bond and the role of enzymes.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Slide deck with amino‑acid and peptide‑bond diagrams
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Handouts of blank amino‑acid templates for drawing
  • Ball‑and‑stick model kits or molecular‑modeling software (optional)
  • Exit‑ticket slips or online quiz platform
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick visual of a protein chain and ask students what tiny units make it up. Recall that they have previously learned basic organic functional groups, so they can recognise amino and carboxyl groups. Today they will be able to draw an amino acid, explain how two join to form a peptide bond, and state how that bond can be broken.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students label a blank amino‑acid diagram on the handout.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Teacher presents the α‑carbon structure and side‑chain variability using slides.
  3. Guided practice (10'): Whole‑class builds a dipeptide on the board, showing condensation and water loss.
  4. Interactive simulation (8'): Students use modelling kits or software to form and break peptide bonds.
  5. Check for understanding (7'): Quick quiz (Kahoot/exit ticket) on key concepts.
  6. Summary & transition (5'): Recap main points and preview the next lesson on protein folding.
Conclusion:
Summarise that amino acids share a common backbone, peptide bonds join them via a dehydration reaction, and hydrolysis reverses the process. Ask each student to write one key fact on an exit ticket. For homework, they will complete a worksheet drawing a tripeptide and labeling each bond.