Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Chemistry
Lesson Topic: State that the main ore of aluminium is bauxite and that aluminium is extracted by electrolysis
Learning Objective/s:
  • State that bauxite is the primary ore of aluminium.
  • Explain why aluminium cannot be obtained by carbon reduction.
  • Describe the Hall–Héroult electrolytic process for extracting aluminium.
  • Interpret the overall chemical reaction for aluminium extraction.
  • Evaluate the energy requirements of the process.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • PowerPoint slides with diagrams of bauxite and Hall–Héroult cell
  • Printed worksheet with reaction equations
  • Model or video of the electrolytic cell
  • Calculator for stoichiometry calculations
  • Safety data sheet for cryolite (optional)
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: Who can name a metal that cannot be obtained by heating its ore with carbon? Recall previous lessons on metal extraction and the role of ore composition. Today we will determine which ore supplies aluminium and how electricity is used to isolate the metal, aiming to articulate the key steps of the Hall–Héroult process.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students list metals they think are extracted by carbon reduction and justify their answers.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Present bauxite composition and why aluminium’s reactivity precludes carbon reduction.
  3. Demonstration/video (10’) – Show Hall–Héroult cell diagram/video, highlighting cathode, anode, and cryolite melt.
  4. Guided practice (12’) – Work through the Bayer process and electrolysis reactions on the worksheet; calculate aluminium yield.
  5. Think‑pair‑share (8’) – Discuss energy consumption and environmental considerations of the process.
  6. Quick check (5’) – Exit ticket: Write the overall balanced equation for aluminium extraction and name the ore.
Conclusion:
Summarise that bauxite is the main aluminium ore and that extraction relies on electrolytic reduction in a cryolite bath. Ask a few students to share their exit‑ticket equations to confirm understanding. Assign a short homework: research one alternative method for aluminium recycling and its advantages.