Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Biology
Lesson Topic: state the role of covalent bonds in joining smaller molecules together to form polymers
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe how covalent glycosidic and ester bonds are formed through condensation reactions.
  • Explain the differences between glycosidic and ester linkages in carbohydrates and lipids.
  • Predict how the type of covalent bond influences polymer properties such as digestibility and fluidity.
  • Illustrate the step‑by‑step mechanism of polymerisation for sugars and triglycerides.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • PowerPoint slides with diagrams of glycosidic and ester bond formation
  • Handout worksheet with reaction equations and comparison table
  • Molecular model kits (sugar and fatty‑acid/glycerol pieces)
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Exit‑ticket cards
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick image of a candy bar and a bottle of oil, asking students what holds the sugar molecules together versus the fat molecules. Recall that condensation reactions join smaller units and that covalent bonds give stability. Today students will identify glycosidic and ester bonds and explain how these bonds determine polymer properties, which will be checked through a worksheet and an exit ticket.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – students list examples of polymers they know and the type of bond they think links the monomers; teacher notes responses.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – present slides on condensation reactions, glycosidic vs ester bonds, using the comparison table.
  3. Guided modelling (12’) – groups use molecular kits to build a disaccharide and a triglyceride, describing each step of bond formation.
  4. Worksheet activity (10’) – complete a table comparing reactions and write the balanced condensation equation for each.
  5. Think‑pair‑share (5’) – discuss how bond type affects digestibility of starch vs cellulose and fluidity of fats.
  6. Quick check (3’) – Kahoot quiz on key terminology.
  7. Summary & exit ticket (5’) – write one sentence describing why covalent bonds are essential for polymer function and hand in the ticket.
Conclusion:
Review that covalent glycosidic and ester bonds are created by dehydration and give polymers their specific properties. Students reinforce learning by writing a concise exit‑ticket response and will complete a short homework worksheet drawing the bond‑formation mechanisms. The next lesson will explore how enzymes break these bonds during digestion.