Lesson Plan

• Describe the general structure of an amino‑acid monomer and how it forms peptide bonds.
• Explain why proteins are classified as natural polyamides.
• Identify the directionality of protein polymerisation (N‑terminus to C‑terminus).
• Analyse how side‑chain (R group) variations influence protein properties.
• Illustrate the overall condensation reaction that produces a polypeptide chain.

• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed handout of the amino‑acid table
• Molecular model kits (peptide bond pieces)
• PowerPoint slides on protein polymerisation
• Worksheet with reaction equations
• Exit‑ticket cards

Begin with a quick visual of a protein chain to spark curiosity about its building blocks. Ask students what they already know about amino acids and how they link together. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to describe protein formation as a polymerisation of natural polyamides and demonstrate the peptide‑bond reaction.

1. Do‑now (5'): Short quiz on amino‑acid terminology and basic structures.
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Slides covering natural polyamides, peptide bond formation, and directionality (N‑ to C‑terminus).
3. Guided modelling (15'): Students use model kits to build a di‑peptide, observing water release.
4. Worksheet activity (10'): Write the condensation equation for a three‑amino‑acid sequence and label N‑ and C‑termini.
5. Concept check (5'): Think‑pair‑share on why proteins are polyamides.
6. Summary discussion (5'): Recap key points and answer remaining questions.

Review the steps of protein polymerisation and the role of side‑chains in determining function. Students complete an exit ticket describing one way the R‑group influences protein properties. For homework, assign a brief research task: choose a common protein, list its amino‑acid composition, and explain how the sequence relates to its function.