Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Chemistry
Lesson Topic: State that the bonding in alkenes includes a double carbon-carbon covalent bond and that alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the sigma (σ) and pi (π) components of the carbon‑carbon double bond in alkenes.
  • Explain why alkenes are classified as unsaturated hydrocarbons and how this influences their general formula.
  • Compare the bonding, geometry and reactivity of alkenes with alkanes.
  • Identify geometric (cis‑trans) isomerism that arises from the double bond.
  • Predict the products of common addition reactions of alkenes (hydrogenation, halogenation, hydrohalogenation, hydration).
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Molecular model kits (sp² carbon atoms)
  • Printed worksheet with comparison table and reaction examples
  • Handout of the sigma‑pi bonding diagram
  • Online quiz platform (e.g., Kahoot) for exit ticket
 Introduction:

Begin with a short video of a plastic bottle being stretched to illustrate how double bonds affect material properties. Ask students what they recall about single‑bonded alkanes and the concept of saturation. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to describe the unique bonding in alkenes and explain why this makes them unsaturated and more reactive.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5') – Quick written quiz on alkane bonding and hybridisation.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Introduce the C=C double bond, sigma and pi bonds, and sp² hybridisation using the projected diagram.
  3. Guided modelling (10') – Students build an ethene model, label σ and π bonds, and discuss planarity.
  4. Comparison activity (8') – In pairs, complete a table contrasting alkanes and alkenes (formula, bond type, reactivity, isomerism).
  5. Reaction showcase (10') – Demonstrate addition reactions (hydrogenation, halogenation, hydrohalogenation, hydration) with reaction arrows on the board.
  6. Formative check (5') – Exit ticket on Kahoot: “Name one reason alkenes react more readily than alkanes.”
Conclusion:

Recap the key features of alkene bonding and how the π bond drives reactivity and isomerism. Collect the Kahoot exit tickets to gauge understanding, and assign a short homework: write the balanced equation for the hydrogenation of propene and explain the role of the catalyst.