Lesson Plan

• Identify the anode as the positive electrode in a simple electrolytic cell.
• Identify the cathode as the negative electrode.
• Describe the role of the electrolyte (molten or aqueous) in carrying ions.
• Explain the oxidation reaction at the anode and the reduction reaction at the cathode.
• Compare the processes in molten NaCl and aqueous CuSO₄ cells.

• Projector or interactive whiteboard
• Slide/PowerPoint with labelled electrolytic‑cell diagram
• Printable worksheet for diagram labeling
• Simple electrolytic‑cell demonstration kit (molten NaCl or CuSO₄ solution with electrodes)
• Safety goggles and gloves
• Exit‑ticket cards

Begin with the question, “How do we obtain pure metals from salts?” Connect this to students’ prior knowledge of redox reactions. Explain that today they will learn to recognise the three key parts of a simple electrolytic cell and why each is essential for the process.

1. Do‑Now (5'): Students label a blank cell diagram on a sticky note.
2. Mini‑lecture with slide (10'): Define anode, cathode, electrolyte; show molten NaCl and aqueous CuSO₄ examples.
3. Guided practice (15'): Whole‑class walkthrough of “How to identify parts in a diagram” using the figure on the board.
4. Hands‑on demonstration (20'): Teacher runs a safe electrolytic experiment; students observe gas evolution and record which electrode is positive/negative.
5. Check for Understanding (10'): Quick quiz – three short questions displayed on screen; students answer using clickers.
6. Exit Ticket (5'): Write one sentence summarising the role of the electrolyte.

Review the three components of the cell and their functions, reinforcing the link between electrode polarity and the redox reactions observed. Collect exit tickets as a retrieval check and assign a worksheet for homework that asks students to label a new electrolytic‑cell diagram.