Abstract This paper designed an inquiry activity, which led the students to learn the modification of calixarene using knowledge of common functional groups of organics, and explore a kind of pH-switchable bis-calix [4] arene polymer capsule with the aid of hydrogen bond. The aim of this activity was to help senior high school students understand better about the idea of "structures determine properties", deepen students' understanding of properties of compound according to characteristics of functional groups, and make students realize how to design molecules based on application requirements.
