Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Chemistry
Lesson Topic: Identify redox reactions as reactions involving gain and loss of electrons
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe oxidation and reduction in terms of electron loss and gain.
  • Assign oxidation numbers to atoms in chemical formulas.
  • Identify the oxidation and reduction components of a reaction and determine if it is a redox process.
  • Write and balance half‑reactions for redox equations.
  • Apply the redox identification steps to solve practice problems.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Chemistry textbook or printed handout on oxidation numbers
  • Worksheets with redox practice questions
  • Sets of reaction cards for group activity
  • Periodic table posters
  • Calculator (optional)
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration of a colour‑changing redox indicator to spark curiosity. Review students’ prior knowledge of oxidation numbers and electron transfer. Explain that today they will learn a systematic method to spot redox reactions and will be able to write balanced half‑reactions. Success will be measured by correctly identifying oxidised and reduced species in sample equations.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students label oxidation numbers on a simple formula displayed on screen.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Explain oxidation, reduction, and the redox identification checklist.
  3. Guided practice (12'): Work through the methane combustion example together, assigning numbers and identifying changes.
  4. Pair activity (10'): Students use the checklist on the Zn + HCl reaction and complete a worksheet.
  5. Half‑reaction writing (8'): Demonstrate splitting the zinc reaction into oxidation and reduction half‑reactions; students attempt the Cu + Ag⁺ reaction.
  6. Quick check (5'): Exit ticket – write one sentence describing how to decide if a reaction is redox.
Conclusion:
Recap the key steps: assign oxidation numbers, compare changes, ensure electron balance, and write half‑reactions. For the exit ticket, students note the checklist they will use for future reactions. Assign homework: complete the three practice questions in the textbook and bring any uncertainties to the next class.