Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Year 9 Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Chemistry
Lesson Topic: State that a catalyst increases the rate of a reaction and is unchanged at the end of a reaction
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the role of a catalyst in a chemical reaction.
  • Explain how a catalyst lowers activation energy using the Arrhenius relationship.
  • Predict the effect of adding a catalyst on reaction rate.
  • Interpret experimental evidence that the catalyst is unchanged after the reaction.
  • Apply knowledge to write a balanced equation for hydrogen peroxide decomposition that includes a catalyst.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • PowerPoint slides with energy‑profile diagram
  • MnO₂ solid and 3 % hydrogen peroxide solution
  • Test tubes, stands, and stopwatches
  • Safety goggles and gloves
  • Worksheet with practice questions
  • Balance for measuring catalyst (optional)
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration: drop MnO₂ into hydrogen peroxide and watch the rapid bubbling. Ask students what they notice compared with the uncatalysed reaction, linking to prior learning about reaction rates. Explain that today they will be able to state how a catalyst speeds up a reaction while remaining unchanged.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Students answer a short recall question on activation energy on the board.
  2. Teacher mini‑lecture (10') – Define catalyst, show energy‑profile diagram, relate to the Arrhenius equation.
  3. Guided demonstration (8') – Perform the MnO₂/H₂O₂ experiment, time the reaction, discuss observations.
  4. Group analysis (10') – Students record data, calculate relative rate, and explain why the catalyst is unchanged.
  5. Practice worksheet (12') – Solve exam‑style questions, including writing the balanced equation.
  6. Quick check (5') – Exit ticket: one sentence describing why the catalyst is not consumed.
  7. Homework reminder (2') – Assign additional practice questions for reinforcement.
Conclusion:
Summarise that a catalyst provides an alternative pathway with lower activation energy, increasing the rate without being consumed. Ask a few pupils to share their exit‑ticket answers to confirm understanding. Remind students to complete the worksheet questions for homework and review the Arrhenius equation.