Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Chemistry
Lesson Topic: Describe the Group VIII noble gases as unreactive, monatomic gases and explain this in terms of electronic configuration
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the key physical properties of Group VIII noble gases.
  • Explain why noble gases are monatomic and chemically inert based on their electronic configuration.
  • Compare the electronic configurations and ionisation energies of the noble gases.
  • Apply the concept of filled valence shells to predict the reactivity of elements.
  • Identify common practical uses of noble gases that rely on their inertness.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Chemistry textbook or teacher’s notes on noble gases
  • Printed handout with noble‑gas table and electronic configurations
  • Periodic‑table poster
  • Worksheets for guided practice
  • Helium balloon (optional demonstration)
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration: inflate a balloon with helium and ask students why it rises. Recall that elements seek stable electron configurations, and the periodic table groups elements with similar properties. Today we will explore why the noble gases are uniquely unreactive and always exist as single atoms. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to explain this behaviour using electronic configurations.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students list examples of gases they know and predict which are reactive. (Check)
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Teacher presents key characteristics and electronic configurations of the noble gases using slides. (Check)
  3. Guided analysis (12'): Pairs examine the provided table, identify filled valence shells, and discuss why this leads to inertness. (Check)
  4. Demonstration (5'): Show the helium balloon and discuss the monatomic nature of noble gases. (Check)
  5. Application activity (10'): Worksheet where students match noble gases to common uses and justify based on inertness. (Check)
  6. Quick quiz (5'): Exit ticket – write the electronic configuration of argon and explain its lack of reactivity. (Check)
Conclusion:
Summarise that a complete outer electron shell gives noble gases high ionisation energies, making them monatomic and chemically inert. Invite a few students to share their exit‑ticket answers to reinforce understanding. For homework, ask learners to research one industrial application of a noble gas and explain how its inertness is essential.