Lesson Plan | Active Methodology | Organic Functions: Phenol

Premises: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class duration, prior student study both with the Book and the beginning of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be carried out during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a large part of the available time.

Objective

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

This phase of the lesson plan aims to lay a strong foundation of knowledge about phenols, vital for students to explore and apply their learning in hands-on activities. By defining clear objectives, students will be equipped to engage in deeper discussions and apply their knowledge critically and analytically.

Objective Utama:

1. Ensure that students have a thorough understanding of phenol as an organic compound with a hydroxyl group connected to an aromatic ring.

2. Empower students to identify and describe the properties and unique characteristics of phenols, including their chemical reactivity and practical uses.

Objective Tambahan:

1. Spark students' curiosity and interest with real-life examples and applications of phenols.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

This segment of the lesson plan is designed to engage students with problem-solving scenarios that encourage them to critically and analytically apply their prior knowledge, preparing them for practical applications. Contextualization connects content to the real world, enhancing students' interest and relevance in studying phenols and improving their comprehension of their significance and uses.

Problem-Based Situation

1. Imagine you are a researcher at a cosmetics company tasked with developing a new product that harnesses the antioxidant properties of phenols for skin protection. How would you use your knowledge about phenol properties to effectively formulate this product?

2. What if a chemistry lab had discovered an unknown liquid that shares characteristics with phenols, but lacks a defined chemical structure? What sort of chemical tests and reactions would you suggest to confirm whether the compound is indeed a phenol?

Contextualization

Phenols are not just dry chemical components in textbooks; they play significant roles in our everyday lives. For instance, salicylic acid, a phenol, serves as an active ingredient in many skincare products, including acne creams, due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, phenols are essential in the production of various medications, including phenol itself, which is pivotal for manufacturing resins and plastics, as well as gallic acid, a potent antioxidant found in fruits and teas.

Development

Duration: (65 - 75 minutes)

The Development phase allows students to practically and playfully apply what they've learned about phenols. Through group work solving puzzles and conducting experiments, students reinforce their theoretical understanding while developing teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Each activity aims to explore different facets of phenols—from their physicochemical properties to their practical uses—ensuring a well-rounded approach to the topic.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended that only one of the suggested activities be carried out

Activity 1 - The Mystery of Phenol Properties

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Apply theoretical knowledge regarding the chemical properties of phenols to practically identify the compounds.

- Description: Students will be divided into groups of up to 5, with each group receiving a 'mystery box' filled with small samples of various phenols, each showcasing unique properties (odour, solubility, reactivity, etc.). The challenge is to identify each phenol based on its traits, using simple chemical tests and their prior knowledge about this class of compounds.

- Instructions:

• Form groups of up to 5 students.

• Discuss the visual and olfactory characteristics of each sample.

• Conduct solubility tests using different solvents.

• Employ specific reagents to test the reactivity of each sample.

• Prepare a report identifying each phenol and justifying your findings based on the test results.

Activity 2 - Building the Perfect Antioxidant

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Develop practical application skills using knowledge about phenols in creating personal care products.

- Description: In this activity, students, grouped together, will assume the role of chemical engineers at a health and wellness product company. They will need to formulate a new product utilising the antioxidant properties of phenols for skin protection. A selection of ingredients will be provided, and students should justify their ingredient choices based on the reactivity of phenols and their antioxidant capabilities.

- Instructions:

• Divide into groups of 5.

• Assess the antioxidant properties of the available phenols.

• Choose the most suitable phenols to create an antioxidant cream.

• Justify your selection of phenols based on their reactivities and antioxidant qualities.

• Prepare a presentation to defend your formulated cream and its antioxidant effectiveness.

Activity 3 - Chemical Detectives: Unraveling the Structure of Phenols

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Utilise advanced chemical analysis techniques to identify phenolic compounds, reinforcing practical knowledge in organic chemistry.

- Description: Students will work in groups to analyse the chemical structure of an unknown phenol, using various analytical methods to identify the compound. Laboratory equipment and reagents for tests such as spectroscopy, chromatography, and functional tests will be supplied.

- Instructions:

• Form groups of up to 5 students.

• Examine the provided chemical structure of the unknown phenol.

• Utilise techniques such as mass spectrometry and chromatography to analyse the compound.

• Conduct functional tests to confirm the phenol's identity.

• Prepare a report detailing the identification process and the results obtained.

Feedback

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

This stage of the lesson plan aims to consolidate the learning of students by allowing them to discuss and reflect on their experiences and discoveries. Group discussions aid in reinforcing acquired knowledge, spotting gaps in understanding, and promoting deeper learning through dialogue and sharing ideas amongst students. Additionally, this fosters a formative assessment of their grasp of the topic, guiding the teacher on potential adjustments needed in instruction.

Group Discussion

Kick off the group discussion with a quick review of the activities undertaken, asking each group about the biggest challenges they encountered and any surprising discoveries they made. Encourage students to share the strategies they employed to tackle the proposed problems and how this influenced their grasp of phenols. A 'circle discussion' format may work well, allowing each group to share experiences while the others provide feedback or comments.

Key Questions

1. What characteristics of phenols did you find most crucial when participating in the activities, and why?

2. How did applying theoretical knowledge practically help in solving the challenges presented during the activities?

3. Was there a particular phenol that had properties that surprised you? If so, why?

Conclusion

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The purpose of the Conclusion phase is to ensure that students have consolidated the knowledge gained during the lesson, integrating theoretical concepts with the practical activities completed. Moreover, it seeks to underscore the significance and applicability of phenols, motivating students to continue exploring and questioning the subject. This moment also reinforces the link between covered content and its real-world applications, emphasising the relevance of studying organic chemistry.

Summary

To wrap up, it's essential to recap what was learned about phenols, emphasising the definition of phenol as an organic compound containing a hydroxyl group attached to an aromatic ring. Throughout the activities, students identified and detailed the properties and characteristics of phenols, including their chemical reactivity and practical applications, particularly in personal care product development and the pharmaceutical sector.

Theory Connection

Today's lesson effectively connected theory with practical application. Through activities like 'The Mystery of Phenol Properties' and 'Building the Perfect Antioxidant,' students directly implemented their theoretical knowledge of phenols in realistic scenarios. This not only solidified their theoretical understanding but also illuminated the importance and versatility of phenols in various uses.

Closing

Phenols are fundamental chemical compounds with extensive applications in industry, medicine, and everyday life. Understanding their properties and reactivities enriches knowledge in organic chemistry and highlights the essential roles of these compounds in our daily routines. This conclusion encourages students to appreciate the relevance of their learning and inspires ongoing curiosity about the chemistry world.