| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Biology |
| Lesson Topic: describe the molecular structure of phospholipids with reference to their hydrophilic (polar) phosphate heads and hydrophobic (non-polar) fatty acid tails |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the molecular structure of a phospholipid, identifying its glycerol backbone, two fatty‑acid tails, and phosphate head group.
- Explain how the hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails give phospholipids amphipathic properties and drive bilayer formation.
- Compare the polarity of each component and predict its role within a biological membrane.
- Interpret a phospholipid diagram to label each part and its chemical formula.
- Apply knowledge of phospholipid structure to explain basic membrane permeability concepts.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector or interactive whiteboard
- PowerPoint/Google Slides presentation with phospholipid diagram
- Printed handout of the phospholipid structure table
- Molecular model kits or 3‑D printed phospholipid models
- Worksheet with labeling and short‑answer questions
- Exit‑ticket cards
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Introduction:
Imagine a tiny sandwich that forms the walls of every cell, sparking curiosity about how life is built.
Students already know basic organic molecules and the purpose of cell membranes.
By the end of the lesson they will be able to label a phospholipid diagram and explain why its two sides behave differently.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5') – Students label a blank phospholipid diagram on a worksheet to activate prior knowledge.
- Mini‑lecture (10') – Present the glycerol backbone, fatty‑acid tails, and phosphate head using slides and a 3‑D model; highlight polarity.
- Guided inquiry (12') – In pairs, students build a phospholipid with model kits and discuss how amphipathic nature leads to bilayer formation.
- Whole‑class debrief (8') – Groups share observations; teacher clarifies misconceptions using the summary table.
- Application activity (10') – Students complete a worksheet predicting membrane behavior when tail saturation changes.
- Check for understanding (5') – Quick Kahoot quiz with three concept questions.
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Conclusion:
We reviewed the three components of phospholipids and how their polarity creates stable bilayers.
For the exit ticket, each student writes one sentence describing why the hydrophilic head is essential for membrane stability.
Homework: read the textbook section on membrane fluidity and answer the accompanying reflection questions.
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