Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Chemistry
Lesson Topic: Describe the combustion of ethanol
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the balanced chemical equation for the combustion of ethanol.
  • Explain the step‑by‑step radical mechanism and the associated energy change.
  • Identify the combustion products and discuss their environmental relevance.
  • Calculate the amount of heat released from a given mass of ethanol.
  • Apply safety precautions when demonstrating ethanol combustion.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • PowerPoint slides with reaction diagram
  • Sample of ethanol and spirit burner
  • Heat‑resistant mat and safety goggles
  • Worksheet with equation and calculation task
  • Fire extinguisher
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video of a spirit burner igniting, asking students what they observe. Recall prior learning on oxidation‑reduction and balanced equations. Explain that today they will describe how ethanol burns, predict the products, and calculate the heat released. Success will be shown by correctly writing the equation, outlining the mechanism, and completing the energy calculation.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Quick quiz on oxidation‑reduction concepts (worksheet).
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Present the balanced equation and reaction conditions using slides.
  3. Mechanism walkthrough (12'): Explain the radical pathway on the whiteboard, checking understanding with questions.
  4. Demonstration (8'): Safely ignite a small amount of ethanol in a spirit burner; observe flame and steam, discuss safety.
  5. Energy calculation activity (10'): Pairs calculate heat released from 10 g ethanol and share results.
  6. Formative check (5'): Exit ticket – one sentence describing why the combustion is exothermic.
Conclusion:
Summarise that ethanol combustion converts the fuel into CO₂ and H₂O while releasing a large amount of heat. Highlight the environmental relevance of the products and the importance of safety. Collect exit tickets and assign homework to research another alcohol used as a fuel. Reinforce that understanding this reaction underpins many real‑world applications.