Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Chemistry
Lesson Topic: Identify redox reactions as reactions involving gain and loss of oxygen
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe oxidation and reduction in terms of oxygen transfer.
  • Identify oxidising and reducing agents in a given chemical equation.
  • Apply a step‑by‑step checklist to determine whether a reaction is a redox reaction.
  • Balance simple redox equations that involve gain or loss of oxygen.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Printed worksheet with practice equations
  • Reaction cards (e.g., metal + oxygen, metal oxide + acid)
  • Periodic‑table handouts
  • Markers and sticky notes for labeling agents
Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration of magnesium burning in oxygen, asking students what changes they observe. Recall that oxidation‑reduction involves electron transfer, but for IGCSE we focus on oxygen gain or loss. Today they will learn to spot redox reactions by tracking oxygen atoms and correctly label the oxidising and reducing agents. Success will be measured by accurately completing the checklist for each practice equation.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students list everyday examples of oxidation (e.g., rusting, burning). Teacher checks prior knowledge.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Define oxidation, reduction, oxidising and reducing agents with emphasis on oxygen transfer; display the flowchart diagram.
  3. Guided practice (15'): Work through the checklist using the CuO + H₂ example on the board; students annotate the equation.
  4. Collaborative activity (15'): In pairs, students use reaction cards to identify agents and complete a worksheet for three different reactions; teacher circulates.
  5. Quick quiz (10'): Individual exit ticket – write the oxidising and reducing agents for a given reaction.
  6. Reflection (5'): Whole‑class discussion of common mistakes and verification by balancing.
Conclusion:
Summarise that redox reactions can be identified by tracking oxygen atoms and labeling the agents accordingly. Students will reinforce learning by completing the exit ticket and a homework worksheet that asks them to analyse two new equations. Remind them to review the checklist before the next class.