Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Chemistry
Lesson Topic: Name and draw the displayed formulae of the unbranched esters which can be made from unbranched alcohols and carboxylic acids, each containing up to four carbon atoms
Learning Objective/s:
  • Identify and name all possible unbranched esters formed from alcohols and acids containing up to four carbon atoms.
  • Write the condensed structural formulae for each identified ester.
  • Explain the esterification mechanism, including the role of the acid catalyst and water loss.
  • Apply IUPAC naming rules to assign correct alkyl‑alkanoate names.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Printed worksheet with ester tables
  • Molecular model kits or online 3‑D visualiser
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Timer for activity pacing
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick real‑world example of fruit flavours that are esters to spark interest. Review students’ prior knowledge of alcohol and carboxylic‑acid naming. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to name and draw every unbranched ester up to four carbons.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students list all unbranched alcohols and acids ≤4 C from memory; teacher checks.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Explain ester formation, IUPAC naming (alkyl + alkanoate) and show the reaction diagram.
  3. Guided practice (15'): In pairs, students use the projected table to name and write condensed formulae for a set of combinations; teacher circulates for support.
  4. Model activity (10'): Build selected esters with molecular kits or a digital tool and label the acid‑derived and alcohol‑derived parts.
  5. Formative quiz (5'): Quick Kahoot/exit‑ticket with three questions on naming and drawing esters.
Conclusion:
Summarise the naming pattern (alkyl + alkanoate) and the condensation reaction that forms esters. Collect an exit ticket where each student names two new esters and draws their condensed formulas. Homework: complete the remaining worksheet entries and practise drawing each ester structure.