Lesson plan of Organic Functions: Phenol

Objectives (5-7 minutes)

1. Understand the concept of phenol and its classification as an aromatic alcohol.
2. Identify the chemical structure of phenol, highlighting the hydroxyl group directly bonded to an aromatic ring.
3. Recognize the importance of phenol in various industrial and pharmaceutical applications.

Secondary Objectives:

• Distinguish phenol from other organic compounds such as aliphatic alcohols and carboxylic acids.
• Establish the relationship between the chemical structure of phenol and its properties such as acidity and solubility.
• Develop critical thinking and analytical skills by discussing the uses and impacts of phenol on society and the environment.

Introduction (10-15 minutes)

1. Review of Previous Content:

   • The teacher begins the lesson by reviewing the concepts of alcohols and hydroxyl groups, emphasizing the difference between aliphatic and aromatic alcohols.
   • Then, the teacher briefly reviews the classification of organic compounds, reinforcing the importance of understanding the chemical structure to comprehend the properties and reactions of a compound.

2. Problem Situations to Spark Interest:

   • The teacher proposes two situations to students to stimulate critical thinking and curiosity:
     1. "Why does aspirin taste sour? And why is it soluble in water but not in oil?"
     2. "Why is phenol, a compound used in products such as disinfectants, considered dangerous to human health and the environment?"

3. Contextualization:

   • The teacher contextualizes the importance of phenol, mentioning its various applications in industry and medicine, such as in the production of resins, plastics, cosmetics, and medicines.
   • Then, the teacher draws attention to the problems associated with the use of phenol, such as its toxicity and its potential for environmental pollution.

4. Capturing Students' Attention:

   • The teacher introduces the topic with two curiosities:
     1. "Did you know that phenol was one of the first antiseptics used in surgeries? It was introduced by Joseph Lister in the late 19th century, revolutionizing the practice of medicine."
     2. "And did you know that phenol is one of the main components of the characteristic smell of some animals, such as cats?"

This introductory stage aims to arouse students' curiosity and prepare them for the development of the lesson content.

Development (20-25 minutes)

1. Theory - Concept of Phenol and its Classification as an Aromatic Alcohol

   • The teacher begins explaining the concept of phenol, emphasizing that it is an organic compound that contains a hydroxyl group (-OH) directly bonded to an aromatic ring.
   • Then, it is highlighted that phenol is classified as an aromatic alcohol because it has the structure of an alcohol (with the -OH group) and is bonded to an aromatic ring.
   • To illustrate the concept, the teacher can show the chemical structure of phenol on the blackboard or on a slide, emphasizing the presence of the hydroxyl group bonded to the aromatic ring.

2. Theory - Chemical Structure of Phenol

   • The teacher explains the chemical structure of phenol in detail, highlighting the presence of the benzene ring (aromatic ring) and the hydroxyl group (-OH) directly bonded to it.
   • To reinforce understanding, the teacher can compare the structure of phenol with that of other compounds, such as ethyl alcohol (an aliphatic alcohol) and benzoic acid (a carboxylic acid), highlighting the structural differences.

3. Theory - Importance of Phenol in Various Industrial and Pharmaceutical Applications

   • The teacher discusses the various applications of phenol in industry and medicine, emphasizing its importance in the production of resins, plastics, cosmetics, and medicines.
   • To illustrate, the teacher can show images of products that contain phenol, such as plastic bottles, creams, and disinfectants, and discuss how phenol contributes to the properties of these products.

4. Practical Activity - Differentiating Phenol from Other Compounds

   • The teacher proposes a practical activity in which students must differentiate phenol from other compounds, such as aliphatic alcohols and carboxylic acids.
   • For this, the teacher provides students with samples of three colorless liquids (phenol, ethyl alcohol, and acetic acid) and asks them to observe, smell, and taste (only if they are harmless).
   • Students should record their observations and then discuss in a group the characteristics that allow phenol to be distinguished from the other compounds.

5. Theory - Properties of Phenol

   • The teacher discusses the main properties of phenol, such as acidity and solubility.
   • To explain the acidity of phenol, the teacher can show the reaction of phenol with a base, highlighting the formation of the phenolate ion.
   • To exemplify the solubility of phenol, the teacher can discuss the ability of phenol to dissolve in water due to the presence of the hydroxyl group and its inability to dissolve in oil due to the presence of the aromatic ring.

6. Discussion - Impacts of Phenol on Society and the Environment

   • The teacher promotes a discussion about the impacts of phenol use on society and the environment, considering its toxicity and its pollution potential.
   • To enrich the discussion, the teacher can present examples of real situations, such as industrial accidents involving phenol leaks and the use of phenol as a chemical weapon during the First World War.

This Development stage should provide students with an in-depth understanding of the concept of phenol, its chemical structure, its properties, and its applications, while also encouraging them to reflect on the impacts of its use on society and the environment.

Feedback (10-15 minutes)

1. Review of Content and Key Concepts

   • The teacher begins the Feedback stage by asking students to summarize, in their own words, what they have learned about phenol. This can be done orally, with students sharing their perceptions and understandings.
   • Then, the teacher reviews the main points of the lesson, reinforcing the concept of phenol as an aromatic alcohol, the structure of phenol, its properties, and its applications.
   • The teacher also revisits the problem situations presented in the Introduction of the lesson, asking students, now with the acquired knowledge, to try to solve them.

2. Connection between Theory and Practice

   • The teacher suggests that students reflect on how the lesson connected the theory, practice, and applications of phenol.
   • To do this, the teacher can ask students to identify the moments when the theory was presented and the moments when they applied this theory in the practical activity.
   • The teacher can also ask students to discuss how the properties of phenol, discussed in theory, are related to their practical applications.

3. Reflection on the Learning Process

   • The teacher suggests that students reflect on the learning process throughout the lesson. To do this, the teacher can ask questions such as:
     1. "What was the most important concept you learned today?"
     2. "What questions have not yet been answered?"
   • The teacher should encourage students to express their opinions and doubts, creating an environment of respect and openness for dialogue.

4. Feedback and Next Steps

   • The teacher requests feedback from students about the lesson, asking what they liked, what they found difficult, and what they would like to learn more about.
   • Based on student feedback, the teacher plans the next steps, deciding which aspects of the lesson need to be reinforced and what new concepts should be introduced.
   • The teacher can also suggest complementary activities, such as readings, videos, or experiments, so that students can deepen their understanding of phenol.

This Feedback stage is essential to consolidate students' learning, promote reflection on the learning process, and plan the next steps. At the end of the lesson, students should have a clear understanding of phenol and its importance, as well as of the application of theoretical concepts in practice.

Conclusion (5-7 minutes)

1. Recapitulation of Main Content

   • The teacher summarizes the main points covered in the lesson, recalling the concept of phenol as an aromatic alcohol, its chemical structure, its properties, and its various industrial and pharmaceutical applications.
   • The teacher also reinforces the importance of understanding the chemical structure of organic compounds to comprehend their properties and reactions.

2. Connection between Theory, Practice, and Applications

   • The teacher emphasizes how the lesson connected theory, practice, and applications of phenol, highlighting how the chemical structure of phenol influences its properties and its applications.
   • The teacher also reinforces how the practical activity of differentiating phenol from other compounds allowed students to apply the theoretical knowledge in a concrete and meaningful way.

3. Extra Materials for Self-Study

   • The teacher suggests some extra materials for students who wish to deepen their knowledge about phenol. These materials may include scientific articles, explanatory videos, interactive animations, and online exercises.
   • For example, the teacher may indicate a video that shows the reaction of phenol with a base, an animation that explores the chemical structure of phenol, and an online exercise that challenges students to identify phenol in a set of compounds.

4. Importance of Phenol in Everyday Life

   • To conclude, the teacher reinforces the relevance of phenol in everyday life, mentioning again its various applications in industry and medicine.
   • The teacher also emphasizes the importance of understanding the chemical compounds that we use regularly in order to make informed decisions about their use and to understand the impacts they can have on society and the environment.

This Conclusion stage is essential to consolidate students' learning, encourage independent study, and highlight the relevance of the concepts learned. At the end of the lesson, students should be prepared to apply their knowledge of phenol in new situations and to continue learning about the topic independently.