Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Chemistry
Lesson Topic: Describe how metals are electroplated
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the electroplating process and identify the components of an electroplating cell.
  • Explain how current density, temperature, electrolyte concentration and additives affect deposit quality.
  • Apply Faraday’s law to calculate the thickness of a metal deposit.
  • Demonstrate safe laboratory practices when setting up an electroplating experiment.
Materials Needed:
  • Adjustable DC power supply
  • Copper sulphate (or other metal) electrolyte solution
  • Metal anode (e.g., copper rod)
  • Cathode object (clean steel nail or sample)
  • Beakers, connecting wires, alligator clips
  • Cleaning supplies (detergent, acid dip, rinsing water)
  • Protective equipment (gloves, goggles, lab coat)
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video showing shiny plated jewellery and ask students why metal objects look brighter after plating. Recall prior knowledge of redox reactions and electrolytic cells. Explain that today they will learn how an electroplating cell works and what criteria define a good metal coating.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Quick quiz on oxidation‑reduction basics.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Explain electroplating components, overall reaction, and show a schematic diagram.
  3. Demonstration (15'): Teacher sets up a copper‑plating cell, demonstrates cleaning, connections, and starts the current while discussing current density.
  4. Guided practice (15'): Pairs calculate expected deposit thickness using Faraday’s law for given parameters.
  5. Safety review & discussion (5'): Identify hazards, PPE, and waste disposal.
  6. Formative check (5'): Exit ticket – list two factors affecting deposit quality and how to control them.
Conclusion:
Summarise that electroplating transfers metal from anode to cathode and that quality depends on controllable variables such as current density and electrolyte conditions. Ask students to note one real‑world application of electroplating on an exit slip. For homework, assign a worksheet where they calculate deposit thickness for a nickel‑plating scenario.