Lesson Plan

• Describe the physical and chemical properties of Group 2 alkaline earth metals.
• Explain trends in atomic radius, ionisation energy, reactivity with water, and oxide basicity down the group.
• Predict the products of common reactions of Group 2 elements with water, oxygen, acids, halogens, and during thermal decomposition of carbonates.
• Compare solubility of Group 2 hydroxides, carbonates and sulfates and identify notable exceptions.
• Apply trend data to solve A‑Level style exam questions on reactivity and basicity.

• Projector or interactive whiteboard for slides/periodic‑table diagram.
• Handouts with trend table and reaction equations.
• Periodic‑table poster highlighting Group 2.
• Safety data sheets (optional) for discussion.
• Worksheets for guided practice and exit ticket.
• Calculator for quantitative calculations.

Start with a quick poll: “Which metal reacts most vigorously with water?” Review students’ prior knowledge of Group 1 alkali metals and their +1 oxidation state, then set today’s success criteria – students will describe properties, explain trends, and predict reactions of alkaline earth metals.

1. Do‑now (5') – Students list known properties of alkali metals; compare to alkaline earth metals on the board.
2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Overview of Group 2 physical & chemical properties, +2 oxidation state, using a periodic‑table slide.
3. Trend analysis activity (12') – In pairs, examine the provided trend table; fill a worksheet identifying changes in atomic radius, ionisation energy, water reactivity, and oxide basicity down the group.
4. Reaction demonstrations (15') – Show a short video or safe demo of Mg burning in O₂ and Ca reacting with water; discuss balanced equations and product identification.
5. Guided practice (10') – Students solve problems predicting products for given reagents (e.g., Sr + H₂O, BaCO₃ heating) and justify using trends.
6. Exam‑tip discussion (5') – Highlight common pitfalls and how to use the trend table for marks‑awarding questions.
7. Exit ticket (3') – Each student writes one trend explanation and one reaction prediction on a slip.

Recap the key trends – increasing atomic radius, decreasing ionisation energy, and rising basicity down Group 2 – and reinforce the +2 oxidation state in all reactions. Remind students to reference the trend table when tackling exam questions. Homework: complete the solubility worksheet for Group 2 compounds and write a short paragraph explaining the insolubility of BaSO₄.