Lesson Plan

• Describe how ions are formed by loss or gain of electrons.
• Explain the three‑stage process of ionic bond formation.
• Apply Coulomb’s law to discuss factors that affect bond strength.
• Identify key characteristics of ionic compounds (high melting/boiling points, lattice structure, conductivity).
• Predict the formation of an ionic compound from a metal and a non‑metal.

• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed worksheet with NaCl step‑by‑step table
• Ion model kits (coloured balls for cations and anions)
• Calculator or formula sheet for Coulomb’s law
• Interactive simulation link (e.g., PhET “Ions and Bonds”)
• Handout summarising characteristics of ionic bonds

Begin with a quick question: “Why does table salt dissolve in water and melt at high temperatures?” This taps into students’ everyday experience and recalls prior knowledge of atoms and ions. Explain that today they will uncover how the strong electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions creates these properties. Success criteria: students will be able to describe ion formation, outline the three stages of an ionic bond, and list its main characteristics.

1. Do‑now (5'): Short quiz on identifying cations and anions from given formulas.
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Present electron transfer, ion generation, and electrostatic attraction using the NaCl diagram.
3. Guided activity (15'): In pairs, complete the NaCl formation worksheet, filling in each stage and discussing the resulting lattice.
4. Model demonstration (5'): Build a crystal lattice with ion kits to visualise the three‑dimensional structure.
5. Concept check (5'): Think‑pair‑share on how charge magnitude and ionic radii influence bond strength (reference Coulomb’s law).
6. Exit ticket (5'): Write one characteristic of ionic bonds and give an example of another ionic compound.

Summarise that ionic bonds arise from electron transfer, producing oppositely charged ions that attract strongly, forming a lattice with distinctive physical properties. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding, and assign homework: research an ionic compound of the students’ choice, describe its formation, and list two of its properties.