Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Chemistry
Lesson Topic: State the source of each of these air pollutants, limited to: (a) carbon dioxide from the complete combustion of carbon-containing fuels (b) carbon monoxide and particulates from the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels (c) methane from t
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the chemical formation of CO₂, CO, particulates and CH₄ from the specified sources.
  • Explain the difference between complete and incomplete combustion and its impact on pollutant production.
  • Identify real‑world examples of each source (e.g., vehicles, boilers, wetlands, ruminants).
  • Apply this knowledge to classify a given activity as a source of a particular pollutant.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • PowerPoint slide with pollutant‑source diagram
  • Worksheet with a table for students to fill
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed images of fuel types, boilers, wetlands and livestock
 Introduction:

Begin with a quick poll: “What everyday activities do you think affect the air we breathe?” Connect responses to prior knowledge of combustion. State that today students will pinpoint the exact sources of four key pollutants and learn how to recognise them in real life. Success will be measured by correctly completing the source‑matching worksheet.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students list activities they think produce air pollution on sticky notes.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Present the four pollutants and their textbook definitions using the slide.
  3. Source exploration (12'): Show the diagram and discuss complete vs. incomplete combustion, then reveal the specific sources for CO₂, CO & particulates, and CH₄.
  4. Guided practice (10'): In pairs, students fill the worksheet matching each pollutant to its source, citing an example.
  5. Check for understanding (8'): Quick quiz via Kahoot – identify the correct source for a given scenario.
  6. Wrap‑up (5'): Review key points and address any misconceptions.
Conclusion:

Summarise that CO₂ comes from complete combustion, CO and soot from limited‑oxygen burning, and CH₄ from anaerobic decomposition of organic matter. Students complete an exit ticket naming one everyday source for each pollutant. For homework, they research a local industry and report which of the studied pollutants it contributes.