Lesson Plan

Resources → Subject Notes → Chemistry → Notes
Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Chemistry
Lesson Topic: Deduce an order of reactivity from a given set of experimental results
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the reactivity series and its importance for predicting metal reactions.
  • Analyse experimental data (acid reaction, displacement, water) to rank metals by reactivity.
  • Construct a correct order of reactivity for a given set of metals.
  • Explain common misconceptions about metal reactivity and how to avoid them.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Sample data table handout
  • Worksheet with practice questions
  • Set of metal salts for demonstration (e.g., ZnSO₄, FeSO₄)
  • Safety goggles and gloves
  • Whiteboard and markers
 Introduction:
Metals behave differently when they encounter acids or water, and those differences let us predict chemical outcomes. Students already know about oxidation and displacement reactions, which will be linked to the reactivity series. By the end of the lesson they will be able to deduce a reactivity order from experimental observations and explain their reasoning.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Quick quiz on oxidation and displacement concepts.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Review of the reactivity series and how acid/water tests indicate position.
  3. Data analysis activity (15’) – In pairs, students examine the sample observation table, identify reactions with HCl and displacement results, then rank the metals.
  4. Guided practice (10’) – Whole‑class discussion of the worked example (Mg > Zn > Fe > Cu) and clarification of misconceptions.
  5. Independent practice (10’) – Students complete practice questions on a worksheet, including a new set of metals.
  6. Exit ticket (5’) – Write the reactivity order for the practice set and one justification.
Conclusion:
We revisited the key steps for constructing a reactivity series and highlighted common errors. Students submit an exit ticket stating the correct order for the practice metals with a brief reason. For homework, they will analyse a new set of observations and prepare a short report summarising the derived reactivity order.