Lesson Plan

• Describe how cations and anions are formed through loss or gain of electrons.
• Explain the relationship between electron transfer and ion‑charge magnitude.
• Predict the typical charge of common metal and non‑metal ions.
• Write balanced ionic formation equations for selected elements.
• Compare the stability gained by atoms when they become ions.

• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed worksheet with ion tables
• Element cards (metal and non‑metal examples)
• Ball‑and‑stick model kits for ions
• Interactive quiz app (e.g., Kahoot)
• Calculators (optional)

Begin with the image of a sodium atom handing an electron to a chlorine atom, instantly forming Na⁺ and Cl⁻ that attract each other. Recall that students already know electron configurations and valence electrons. Explain that today’s success criteria are to describe ion formation, predict ion charges, and write simple ionic equations.

1. Do‑now (5'): Quick multiple‑choice quiz on electron configurations displayed on the board.
2. Mini‑lecture – Cation formation (10'): Explain loss of electrons with Na, Mg, Al examples using projector.
3. Guided practice (10'): Pairs write ion‑formation equations on the worksheet and check with answer key.
4. Model demonstration (5'): Use ball‑and‑stick kits to visualise electron loss for a metal atom.
5. Mini‑lecture – Anion formation (10'): Explain gain of electrons with Cl, O, N examples.
6. Whole‑class discussion (5'): Why atoms form ions – link to noble‑gas stability and ionic bonding.
7. Exit ticket (5'): Write the ion charge for a given element; collect for quick assessment.

Summarise that ions form by electron transfer, giving metals positive charges and non‑metals negative charges, which leads to ionic bonds. Students complete an exit ticket and are assigned the worksheet on ionic compounds as homework, plus the task of creating flashcards for common ions.