Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Chemistry
Lesson Topic: Define reduction in terms of: (a) gain of electrons (b) a decrease in oxidation number
Learning Objective/s:
  • Define reduction as a gain of electrons and a decrease in oxidation number.
  • Explain how to assign oxidation numbers to identify reduction in a reaction.
  • Interpret the half‑reaction for the reduction of Cu²⁺ to Cu.
  • Predict electron flow in simple redox processes.
  • Apply the concept to balance basic redox equations.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Chemistry textbook or handout on redox reactions
  • Worksheet with oxidation‑number tables
  • Model cards representing CuO + H₂ reaction
  • Markers and chart paper
  • Calculator (optional)
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration of a copper wire heating in a flame to spark curiosity about metal changes. Review students’ prior knowledge of electrons and oxidation numbers, then state that today they will learn to define reduction and recognise it in reactions. Success will be shown by correctly identifying the reduction half‑reaction for copper.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – short quiz on oxidation numbers.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – teacher defines reduction (electron gain, oxidation‑number drop) with slides.
  3. Guided example (12') – work through CuO + H₂ reaction, fill oxidation‑number table together.
  4. Pair activity (10') – worksheet to identify reduction and oxidation in a new reaction (e.g., Fe₂O₃ + CO).
  5. Check for understanding (5') – exit ticket: write the reduction half‑reaction for copper.
  6. Summary & homework (3') – recap key points and assign practice problems from the textbook.
Conclusion:
Recap that reduction involves electron gain and a lower oxidation number, reinforcing the copper example. Students complete an exit ticket writing the Cu²⁺ → Cu half‑reaction and hand in the worksheet. For homework, they will balance a redox equation from the textbook.