Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Chemistry
Lesson Topic: Identify oxidising agents and reducing agents in redox reactions
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe oxidation, reduction, and the roles of oxidising and reducing agents in redox reactions.
  • Apply oxidation‑number rules to assign oxidation states in chemical equations.
  • Identify oxidising and reducing agents in given redox reactions using a step‑by‑step method.
  • Construct and balance half‑reactions for complex redox processes.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Chemistry textbook or IGCSE redox chapter
  • Printed worksheets with practice equations
  • Periodic table posters
  • Calculator (optional)
  • Markers and whiteboard
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration of a burning magnesium ribbon to spark curiosity about electron transfer. Review students’ prior knowledge of oxidation numbers and simple chemical equations. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to pinpoint the oxidising and reducing agents in any redox reaction.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Students write definitions of oxidation and reduction on a sticky note and share.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Review oxidation‑number rules and introduce the step‑by‑step identification method, using the Mg + O₂ example on the projector.
  3. Guided practice (15') – In pairs, students work through the example reactions table, assign oxidation numbers, and label the agents; teacher circulates for feedback.
  4. Half‑reaction demonstration (10') – Show how to split the Cu + 2Ag⁺ reaction into half‑reactions and balance them.
  5. Independent practice (15') – Worksheet with three new redox equations; students identify agents and, for the complex one, write half‑reactions.
  6. Quick check (5') – Exit ticket: one sentence stating the oxidising and reducing agents for a reaction displayed on the board.
Conclusion:
Summarise the key steps: assign oxidation numbers, spot increases/decreases, and label the corresponding agents. Collect the exit tickets to confirm understanding, and assign two additional redox equations for homework where students must identify the agents and write half‑reactions where appropriate.