Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Chemistry
Lesson Topic: Describe the characteristic properties of acids in terms of their reactions with: (a) metals (b) bases (c) carbonates
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the observable reactions when acids interact with metals, bases, and carbonates.
  • Explain the underlying chemical equations for each type of acid reaction.
  • Predict the products and safety considerations for acid‑metal, acid‑base, and acid‑carbonate reactions.
  • Analyse experimental observations to differentiate between these reaction types.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Safety goggles, gloves, lab coat
  • Dilute HCl, H₂SO₄, and acetic acid
  • Metal strips (Zn, Mg, Fe)
  • Base solutions (NaOH, KOH)
  • Carbonate/bicarbonate samples (CaCO₃, NaHCO₃, K₂CO₃)
  • Test tubes, beakers, droppers, gas collection tubes
  • Student worksheet with reaction tables
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick question: “What happens when you drop an acid onto a metal?” Use this to activate prior knowledge of reactivity series and neutralisation. State that today students will identify the characteristic signs of three acid reactions and be able to write the balanced equations. Success will be measured by accurate observations and a short exit ticket.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students list known acid reactions on a sticky note and share.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Review reactivity series, neutralisation, and carbonate reactions; display key equations.
  3. Demo 1 (15’) – Acid + metal (Zn + HCl); observe hydrogen bubbles, discuss safety.
  4. Demo 2 (15’) – Acid + base (HCl + NaOH); feel temperature rise, measure pH change.
  5. Demo 3 (15’) – Acid + carbonate (HCl + CaCO₃); observe vigorous effervescence, collect CO₂.
  6. Guided practice (10’) – Students complete worksheet matching observations to reaction types.
  7. Quick check (5’) – Exit ticket: write one characteristic sign for each reaction type.
Conclusion:
Recap the three characteristic properties and the corresponding balanced equations. Collect the exit tickets to gauge understanding, and assign homework to write balanced equations for two new acid‑metal and acid‑carbonate examples.