Lesson Plan

Resources → Subject Notes → Biology → Notes
Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Biology
Lesson Topic: describe and draw the ring forms of α-glucose and β-glucose
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the formation of cyclic α‑ and β‑glucose from open‑chain glucose.
  • Identify the orientation of the anomeric OH in α‑ and β‑D‑glucose Haworth projections.
  • Compare structural differences and relate them to polysaccharide types.
  • Draw accurate Haworth structures for both α‑ and β‑glucose.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Slide deck with Haworth diagrams
  • Handouts containing blank Haworth templates
  • Molecular model kits (hexose models)
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Exit‑ticket slips
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration of a sugar cube dissolving, asking students what they think happens to its structure in water. Recall that glucose can exist in open‑chain and cyclic forms, and that today’s success criteria are to describe the ring‑formation mechanism and correctly draw both α‑ and β‑glucose Haworth projections.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students label a provided open‑chain glucose diagram with carbon numbers.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Explain intramolecular hemiacetal formation and introduce α/β anomers using the projector.
  3. Guided drawing (12'): Teacher models drawing α‑D‑glucose Haworth; students replicate on handouts.
  4. Paired activity (10'): Students draw β‑D‑glucose, compare orientations, and fill a comparison table.
  5. Concept check (8'): Quick quiz (Kahoot or show of hands) on key differences.
  6. Summary discussion (5'): Relate the two structures to starch vs. cellulose.
Conclusion:
Summarise that the orientation of the anomeric OH distinguishes α‑ and β‑glucose and determines their role in polysaccharides. For the exit ticket, each student writes one structural feature that identifies each anomer. Homework: complete the worksheet drawing both Haworth projections and label all substituents.