9th Grade Branches Of Chemistry Lesson Plan

Topic: Branches of Chemistry

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to identify and explain the 4 branches of chemistry: organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, and chemical biology.

Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Handouts with information about the different branches of chemistry

Warm-up

• Ask students if they have ever heard of the different branches of chemistry. Ask them to share what they know about each one.
• Write the names of the branches on the whiteboard: organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, chemical biology.

Direct Instruction

• Explain that the different branches of chemistry are different ways of looking at chemical phenomena and the ways that chemicals interact with each other and their surroundings.
• Organic chemistry is the study of the chemistry of carbon-containing compounds, or organic compounds. These compounds are found in living things and are important for their function and structure. Examples of organic compounds include amino acids, proteins, and DNA.
• Inorganic chemistry is the study of the chemistry of non-carbon-containing compounds, or inorganic compounds. These compounds are also important for their function and structure, but they are not found in living things. Examples of inorganic compounds include metal salts, metal compounds, and non-metal compounds.
• Physical chemistry is the study of the properties and behavior of matter, particularly at the molecular level. This branch of chemistry is concerned with the laws of physics that govern matter and how those laws are applied to understand chemical processes. Examples of physical chemistry include the properties of gases, the laws of thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics.
• Chemical biology is the study of the functions and mechanisms of biological processes at the molecular level. This branch of chemistry is concerned with how the chemical processes in living things work and how they can be manipulated. Examples of chemical biology include how proteins function, the mechanisms of DNA replication and transcription, and how drugs work.

Guided Practice

• Have students work in pairs or small groups to complete a worksheet or activity on the different branches of chemistry.
• Provide guidance and assistance as needed.

Independent Practice

• Have students choose one branch of chemistry to research in depth.
• Students can create a presentation or report on their chosen branch, or present their findings to the class.

Closure

• Review the key concepts and vocabulary introduced in the lesson.
• Ask students to share what they learned and how they can apply it to their lives.

Assessment

• Observe students during the guided and independent practice activities to see if they are able to demonstrate their understanding of the material.
• Collect and grade their presentations or written reports as a formative assessment.
• Use a quiz or test at the end of the unit as a summative assessment.