Lesson Plan

Resources → Subject Notes → Chemistry → Notes
Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Chemistry
Lesson Topic: Nitrogen and sulfur: properties, preparation, reactions, oxides, acids, uses, environmental impact
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the key physical and chemical properties of nitrogen and sulfur and their major oxides.
  • Explain the industrial preparation methods for N₂ and elemental sulfur and the principal reactions they undergo.
  • Compare the environmental impacts of nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides and suggest mitigation strategies.
  • Apply knowledge of oxidation states to predict products of reactions involving nitrogen or sulfur compounds.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Handouts with property tables and reaction equations
  • Periodic‑table posters
  • Worksheet for guided practice
  • Clicker/online quiz tool for exit ticket
 Introduction:

Begin with a striking image of smog over a city to hook students and link it to nitrogen and sulfur emissions. Ask learners to recall what they know about the periodic trends of Group 15 and Group 16 elements. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to describe properties, preparation methods, reactions, and environmental impacts of nitrogen and sulfur.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5′): Quick quiz on atomic numbers, standard states, and common oxides of N and S.
  2. Direct Instruction (10′): Present key properties and preparation methods using slides and the handouts.
  3. Guided Practice (12′): Work through balanced equations for combustion, Haber process, and sulfur oxidation; students complete a worksheet in pairs.
  4. Demonstration (8′): Show a video of nitrogen fixation and a safe sulfur combustion demo; discuss observations.
  5. Environmental Impact Discussion (10′): Small‑group analysis of NOₓ and SO₂ effects on air quality; groups share mitigation ideas.
  6. Check for Understanding (5′): Exit ticket via clicker – one short answer on how oxidation states dictate product formation.
Conclusion:

Summarise the main similarities and differences between nitrogen and sulfur chemistry, emphasizing their roles in industry and the environment. Collect the exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign homework: students research a real‑world case of NOₓ or SO₂ regulation and prepare a brief summary for the next class.