# Lesson Plan: Giant Molecules (Senior Secondary 3)
## Lesson Overview
**Subject:** Chemistry
**Topic:** Giant Molecules
**Grade Level:** Senior Secondary 3
**Duration:** 90 minutes
**Learning Objectives:**
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Define giant molecules and distinguish them from simple molecules.
2. Identify and describe the key properties of different types of giant molecules.
3. Explain the structure, bonding, and applications of giant molecules like diamond, graphite, and silicon dioxide.
4. Relate the properties of giant molecules to their uses in real-life applications.
## Materials Needed
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector and computer
- PowerPoint presentation on giant molecules
- Molecular model kits (optional)
- Handouts with diagrams and key points
- Student notebooks and pens
## Lesson Outline
### Introduction (10 minutes)
1. **Greetings and Roll Call:** Welcome students and take attendance.
2. **Warm-up Discussion:** Engage students with a brief discussion on what they know about molecules and compounds, focusing on the concept of simple molecules versus complex structures.
3. **Lesson Objectives Overview:** Explain the objectives and outline what students will learn about giant molecules.
### Direct Instruction (20 minutes)
1. **Definition of Giant Molecules:**
- Explain that giant molecules, or macromolecules, are large networks of atoms connected by covalent bonds.
- Differentiate between giant covalent structures and simple molecular structures.
2. **Types of Giant Molecules:**
- Use the PowerPoint presentation to describe the different types of giant molecules:
- Diamond
- Graphite
- Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂)
### Exploration and Demonstration (30 minutes)
1. **Structure and Bonding:**
- Explain the structure of diamond: each carbon atom is bonded to four other carbon atoms in a tetrahedral structure, resulting in a very hard material.
- Explain the structure of graphite: each carbon atom is bonded to three other carbon atoms in flat layers, allowing layers to slide over each other easily, making it soft and slippery.
- Explain the structure of silicon dioxide: consists of a continuous network of Si and O atoms, similar to the structure of diamond.
2. **Properties:**
- Discuss the properties of these giant molecules (e.g., hardness, electrical conductivity, melting and boiling points).
- Relate these properties to their structures and bonding.
3. **Classroom Demonstration:**
- Show models or diagrams to illustrate the three-dimensional bonding in diamond, graphite, and silicon dioxide.
### Guided Practice (20 minutes)
1. **Activity:** Hand out worksheets containing diagrams and questions. Students will fill out:
- Labeled diagrams of the structures of diamond, graphite, and silicon dioxide.
- Comparisons between their properties.
- Real-life applications based on their properties (e.g., diamond in cutting tools, graphite in pencils, silicon dioxide in glass and ceramics).
2. **Group Discussion:** Arrange students into small groups to discuss their answers. Walk around the room to facilitate and provide guidance.
### Assessment and Evaluation (10 minutes)
1. **Q&A Session:**
- Ask students questions to assess their understanding of giant molecules, their structure, properties, and applications.
- Example questions:
- What makes diamond so hard?
- Why is graphite a good lubricant?
2. **Exit Ticket:**
- Ask students to write down one thing they learned about giant molecules and one question they still have.
### Closing (5 minutes)
1. **Review Key Points:** Summarize the key points of the lesson.
2. **Preview Next Lesson:** Briefly introduce the topic of the next lesson and how it connects to today's topic.
## Homework
- **Assignment:** Write a short essay (one page) on the applications of giant molecules in technology and industry, focusing on one specific application (e.g., diamond in cutting tools or silicon dioxide in microchips).
## Follow-Up
- **Next Lesson:** Continue with the study of molecular structures but focus on polymers and their industrial applications.
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This lesson plan provides comprehensive coverage of giant molecules and ensures students engage with the material through a variety of instructional strategies.