Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Chemistry
Lesson Topic: Describe the transfer of charge during electrolysis to include: (a) the movement of electrons in the external circuit (b) the loss or gain of electrons at the electrodes (c) the movement of ions in the electrolyte
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe electron flow in the external circuit during electrolysis.
  • Explain oxidation at the anode and reduction at the cathode.
  • Illustrate ion migration in the electrolyte to maintain charge balance.
  • Predict the products of electrolysis based on electrode reactions.
  • Apply the concepts to simple electrolysis examples such as a CuSO₄ solution.
Materials Needed:
  • Adjustable power supply or battery.
  • Electrolysis apparatus (beakers, electrodes, wires, alligator clips).
  • Solutions (copper(II) sulfate, dilute acid).
  • Whiteboard or projector for diagrams.
  • Student worksheet with diagram‑labeling tasks.
  • Safety goggles and gloves.
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick visual of a battery‑connected circuit to spark curiosity about where the “invisible” charge goes. Recall students’ prior knowledge of oxidation‑reduction and the idea that electrons travel through wires. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to describe the complete charge‑transfer pathway in electrolysis and use it to predict products.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students label a diagram of an external circuit and list the direction of electron flow. (Formative check)
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Teacher explains electron movement in the external circuit using the power‑supply diagram. (Concept introduction)
  3. Guided inquiry (12’) – In pairs, students identify oxidation at the anode and reduction at the cathode for given reactions; teacher circulates to probe understanding.
  4. Demonstration (8’) – Set up electrolysis of CuSO₄; observe gas evolution and discuss ion migration.
  5. Worksheet activity (10’) – Students complete a table matching electrode, reaction, electron flow, and ion movement.
  6. Quick quiz (5’) – Exit ticket: one sentence describing how charge is conserved during electrolysis.
Conclusion:
Summarise the three linked processes—electron flow in the external circuit, electron exchange at the electrodes, and ion migration in the electrolyte—emphasising charge balance. Collect the exit tickets as a retrieval check and assign a short homework: sketch a different electrolysis set‑up (e.g., water electrolysis) and label all charge‑transfer steps.