Here is a detailed 7E’s Lesson Plan for teaching students how to determine if a molecule is
polar or nonpolar given its structure:
Grade Level: High School Chemistry
Topic: Determining Molecular Polarity
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Lesson Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Differentiate between polar and nonpolar molecules.
2. Analyze molecular structures to determine polarity using electronegativity and molecular
geometry.
3. Explain how molecular polarity affects physical and chemical properties.
7E’s Lesson Plan
1. Engage
o Activity: Show a video or animation of water (polar) and oil (nonpolar) not
mixing. Ask: Why do water and oil behave this way?
o Objective: Capture students' interest and introduce the concept of polarity.
2. Elicit
o Activity: Ask students what they already know about molecules,
electronegativity, and bonding. Use a brief quiz or discussion to assess prior
knowledge.
o Objective: Identify misconceptions and connect to existing knowledge.
3. Explore
o Activity:
Provide molecular models or online simulation tools.
Assign molecules (e.g., H₂O, CO₂, CH₄, NH₃, BF₃) and ask students to
build or view their structures.
o Objective: Allow students to observe molecular shapes and think about symmetry
and electronegativity.
4. Explain
o Activity:
Discuss the key factors that determine polarity:
1. Electronegativity Difference: Polar bonds occur if the difference
is significant.
2. Molecular Geometry: Symmetry can cancel out polar bonds.
Use examples:
H₂O: Polar (bent shape, unequal sharing of electrons).
CO₂: Nonpolar (linear shape, equal sharing due to symmetry).
o Objective: Provide a clear explanation and framework for determining polarity.
5. Elaborate
o Activity:
Group students to analyze molecules of increasing complexity (e.g.,
CHCl₃, PCl₅, SF₆).
Ask: Is it polar or nonpolar? Why?
o Objective: Deepen understanding and apply concepts to new examples.
6. Evaluate
o Activity:
Provide a worksheet with molecules to classify as polar or nonpolar.
Example questions:
1. Is CH₄ polar or nonpolar? (Answer: Nonpolar)
2. Why is NH₃ polar? (Answer: Asymmetrical trigonal pyramidal
shape)
o Objective: Assess understanding and correct misconceptions.
7. Extend
o Activity:
Explore the real-world implications of polarity.
Why does water dissolve salt but not oil?
How does polarity affect boiling points?
o Objective: Connect molecular polarity to practical applications in life and
industry.
Materials Needed
Molecular model kits or virtual modeling tools.
Worksheet with practice problems.
Multimedia (video/animation).
Whiteboard and markers.
Possible Answers to Worksheet
1. H₂O (Water): Polar (Bent shape, electronegativity difference).
2. CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide): Nonpolar (Linear shape, symmetrical).
3. CH₄ (Methane): Nonpolar (Symmetrical tetrahedral).
4. NH₃ (Ammonia): Polar (Asymmetrical trigonal pyramidal).
5. BF₃ (Boron Trifluoride): Nonpolar (Symmetrical trigonal planar).
Would you like to expand on any part of this plan or focus on a specific activity?
