Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Chemistry
Lesson Topic: State that bases are oxides or hydroxides of metals and that alkalis are soluble bases
Learning Objective/s:
  • State that bases are metal oxides or hydroxides that produce OH⁻ ions in water.
  • Explain that alkalis are the soluble subset of bases.
  • Identify characteristic properties of bases and alkalis (litmus change, slipperiness, conductivity).
  • Write and balance simple reactions of metal oxides/hydroxides with water and acids.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Slide deck on bases and alkalis
  • Worksheet with reaction equations and property tables
  • Samples of CaO, NaOH, and litmus paper
  • Beakers, water, safety goggles, gloves
  • Diagram handout of the base‑alkali relationship
Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration: drop a piece of CaO into water and observe the change. Ask students what they recall about acids producing H⁺ ions and invite them to predict what happens with bases. Explain that today they will classify bases and identify which are alkalis, using a success‑criteria checklist.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5 min): Students complete a short quiz on acid‑base definitions from the previous lesson.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10 min): Present definitions of bases, metal oxides, metal hydroxides and introduce the term alkali.
  3. Demonstration (7 min): Show CaO + H₂O → Ca(OH)₂ and NaOH dissociation; discuss solubility and OH⁻ production.
  4. Guided practice (12 min): In pairs, students fill a table comparing bases vs. alkalis and write balanced equations for given examples.
  5. Concept check (5 min): Quick exit‑ticket where each student writes one property that distinguishes an alkali from a non‑soluble base.
  6. Summary & homework (3 min): Recap key points and assign a worksheet on neutralisation reactions.
Conclusion:
Review the three main ideas: all bases are metal oxides or hydroxides, alkalis are the soluble ones, and both share characteristic properties. Collect the exit‑ticket to gauge understanding, then remind students to complete the worksheet on neutralisation for homework.