Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Chemistry
Lesson Topic: Describe the reaction of ethanoic acid with: (a) metals (b) bases (c) carbonates including names and formulae of the salts produced
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe reactions of ethanoic acid with metals, bases, and carbonates, including gas evolution.
  • Write balanced chemical equations and identify the salts formed with correct names and formulas.
  • Explain the acid‑base and redox concepts that govern these reactions.
  • Predict products when ethanoic acid reacts with other metal oxides or carbonates.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Printed worksheet with reaction tables
  • Sample chemical equations handout
  • Molecular model kits (optional)
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Exit ticket cards
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video of vinegar reacting with a metal to produce bubbles, sparking curiosity. Review the –COOH functional group and recall basic acid‑base concepts. Today students will describe and write the reactions of ethanoic acid with metals, bases and carbonates, and name the resulting salts.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – quick quiz on functional groups and acid‑base basics.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – present the three reaction types, show balanced equations and highlight gas evolution.
  3. Guided practice (15') – pairs fill in a blank reaction table for given reagents, then check answers as a class.
  4. Demonstration (5') – safe demo of ethanoic acid reacting with a small piece of sodium metal; observe hydrogen gas.
  5. Consolidation activity (10') – students write equations for calcium carbonate and potassium hydroxide reactions and label the salts.
  6. Quick check (5') – exit ticket: write one reaction equation for each category and name the salt produced.
Conclusion:
Summarise that ethanoic acid reacts with metals to give hydrogen and a metal acetate, with bases to give water and a metal acetate, and with carbonates to give carbon dioxide, water and a metal acetate. Students complete an exit ticket to demonstrate understanding and receive immediate feedback. For homework, they finish a worksheet extending these reactions to other carboxylic acids.