Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 18/01/2026
Subject: Biology
Lesson Topic: List the chemical elements that make up: carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
Learning Objective/s:
  • Identify the primary chemical elements in carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.
  • Compare the empirical formulas of the three macromolecule classes.
  • Explain how elemental composition relates to the properties of each macromolecule.
  • Label constituent elements on representative structural diagrams.
  • Classify a given biological molecule based on its elemental makeup.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Printed worksheet with macromolecule tables
  • Molecular model kits (sugar, triglyceride, peptide)
  • Markers and chart paper
  • Digital slides showing element diagrams
Introduction:
Begin with a quick visual of a candy bar, a piece of fruit, and a boiled egg, asking students which nutrients they think each contains.
Recall that all biological molecules are built from a limited set of elements, which we will explore today.
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to list the elements that constitute carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Students complete a short matching activity linking macromolecule names to their empirical formulas on the worksheet.
  2. Teacher input (10') – Present a slide summarising the primary elements of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, highlighting differences.
  3. Guided inquiry (12') – In small groups, learners examine model kits and label the constituent elements on a diagram.
  4. Whole‑class discussion (8') – Groups share findings; teacher clarifies misconceptions, especially the presence of nitrogen and sulfur in proteins.
  5. Quick check (5') – Exit quiz using clickers or Kahoot to identify the element(s) for each macromolecule.
  6. Recap & homework briefing (5') – Summarise key points and assign a worksheet for further practice.
Conclusion:
Review the three element sets, emphasizing why proteins require nitrogen (and sometimes sulfur) while carbohydrates and fats do not.
Students complete an exit ticket naming one real‑world example of each macromolecule and its elemental composition.
For homework, they will complete a worksheet that asks them to deduce the class of a molecule from its empirical formula.