Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Chemistry
Lesson Topic: Define redox reactions as involving simultaneous oxidation and reduction
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe oxidation and reduction processes and define a redox reaction.
  • Assign oxidation numbers to elements in compounds and use them to identify oxidation and reduction.
  • Apply the half‑reaction method to balance redox equations in acidic and basic media.
  • Analyse given chemical equations to determine the oxidising and reducing agents.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Chemistry textbook or printed handout on redox concepts
  • Worksheet with practice redox equations
  • Periodic table posters
  • Calculator
  • Whiteboard markers and chart paper for flowchart
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration: placing a piece of magnesium ribbon into a Bunsen‑burner flame and observing the bright white flame. Ask students what is happening at the atomic level and recall that electron transfer underlies many reactions they have studied. Explain that today they will learn how to recognise and balance reactions where oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously. Success will be measured by correctly identifying oxidising and reducing agents and completing a balanced redox equation.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5'): Students write the definitions of oxidation and reduction on a sticky note; teacher collects for a quick check.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Present key concepts of oxidation numbers and redox terminology with slides and examples (Mg + O₂, Zn + Cu²⁺); emphasise oxidising and reducing agents.
  3. Guided practice (12'): Whole‑class assign oxidation numbers to a sample reaction and identify oxidation/reduction steps.
  4. Half‑reaction method demonstration (15'): Teacher models balancing the Zn + Cu²⁺ reaction in acidic medium, showing each step of the method.
  5. Independent practice (12'): Students complete a worksheet with two redox equations (one acidic, one basic) applying the half‑reaction method; teacher circulates to provide feedback.
  6. Quick check (5'): Exit ticket – write the balanced overall equation for one worksheet reaction and name the oxidising and reducing agents.
Conclusion:
Review the sequence of steps used to balance redox equations and highlight common pitfalls such as forgetting to equalise electrons. Students submit their exit tickets, providing retrieval practice. For homework, assign three additional redox equations to balance, encouraging use of the flowchart diagram. Remind learners that mastering redox is essential for later topics like electrochemistry.