| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Biology |
| Lesson Topic: explain how hydrogen bonding occurs between water molecules and relate the properties of water to its roles in living organisms, limited to solvent action, high specific heat capacity and latent heat of vaporisation |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the polarity of water molecules and how hydrogen bonds form between them.
- Explain how hydrogen bonding gives water its solvent action, high specific heat capacity, and latent heat of vaporisation.
- Apply this knowledge to illustrate water’s role in temperature regulation and transport within living organisms.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector and screen
- Water molecule model kits (or ball‑and‑stick kits)
- Printed handouts with diagrams and practice questions
- Thermometer and two small beakers (water and oil)
- Laptop with an interactive hydrogen‑bond simulation
- Worksheet for the exit ticket
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Introduction:
Begin with a striking fact: “If you removed all hydrogen bonds, water would boil at 0 °C.” Ask students to recall what they know about polar molecules and why water is called the “universal solvent.” Outline that by the end of the lesson they will be able to describe hydrogen bonding and link three key properties of water to its biological functions.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5'): Quick written response on the polarity of water and one example of a substance it dissolves.
- Mini‑lecture with diagram (10'): Explain molecular shape, polarity, and formation of hydrogen bonds; show the tetrahedral network.
- Interactive simulation (8'): Students manipulate a virtual water model to visualise hydrogen‑bond formation and count donor/acceptor bonds.
- Guided inquiry experiment (12'): Demonstrate solvent action (salt dissolving) and compare temperature change of water vs oil when heated; discuss latent heat using an evaporation demo.
- Think‑pair‑share (5'): Relate observed properties to physiological examples (sweating, blood temperature regulation).
- Formative check (5'): Short Kahoot quiz covering the three target properties.
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Conclusion:
Summarise how hydrogen bonding underpins water’s solvent capacity, high specific heat, and latent heat of vaporisation, and why these are vital for living systems. Students complete an exit ticket: name one biological process that relies on each property. For homework, write a brief paragraph linking one of the properties to a specific organismal function (e.g., sweating in mammals).
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