| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Biology |
| Lesson Topic: State that large molecules are made from smaller molecules: starch, glycogen, cellulose from glucose; proteins from amino acids; fats and oils from fatty acids and glycerol. |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe how monomers link to form polymers such as starch, glycogen, cellulose, proteins, and triglycerides.
- Explain the differences in linkage types (α‑1,4/α‑1,6 vs β‑1,4, peptide, ester) and their functional implications.
- Compare the roles of these macromolecules in plants and animals.
- Illustrate polymerisation and hydrolysis reactions for carbohydrates, proteins and lipids.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector or interactive whiteboard
- PowerPoint slides with polymerisation diagrams
- Printed worksheet for polymer‑matching activity
- Molecular model kits (glucose, amino acid, glycerol)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Exit‑ticket cards
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Introduction:
Begin with a quick image of a tangled ball of yarn versus a straight rope to spark curiosity about why some polymers coil and others stay rigid. Ask students to recall what they know about glucose, amino acids and fats as building blocks. Explain that today they will identify the monomers for major biological macromolecules and describe how the type of chemical bond determines each polymer’s function. Success will be measured by their ability to match polymers with their monomers and linkage types.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑Now (5') – Students label a diagram of glucose polymerisation on a mini‑whiteboard.
- Mini‑lecture (10') – Review monomer‑polymer concept and introduce carbohydrate polymers, highlighting α vs β linkages.
- Interactive activity (12') – In pairs, use model kits to build starch, glycogen and cellulose chains; discuss structural differences.
- Protein segment (8') – Demonstrate peptide‑bond formation with a short animation; students complete a quick worksheet matching amino acids to peptide bonds.
- Lipid segment (8') – Show esterification of glycerol and fatty acids; students draw a triglyceride and label components.
- Concept check (7') – Whole‑class quiz using clickers or Kahoot to identify polymer‑monomer pairs.
- Summary & reflection (5') – Teacher summarises key points; students write one thing they learned on an exit ticket.
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Conclusion:
Review the three polymer families and the specific linkages that give each its unique properties. Collect exit tickets where pupils state one example of a polymer and its monomer. Assign homework to create a mind map linking monomers, polymers, linkages and biological roles. End with a reminder that understanding these connections underpins later topics on metabolism.
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