Lesson Plan: Materials and Chemical Reactions

Subject: Sciences

Topic: Materials

Level: Fourth Level

Desired Outcome: Having carried out a range of experiments using different chemicals, I can place metals in an order of reactivity, and relate my findings to their everyday uses.

Focus: Types of chemical reactions

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Understand the concept of chemical reactions and their importance in everyday life.

2. Identify different types of chemical reactions.

3. Place metals in an order of reactivity based on their reaction with different chemicals.

4. Relate the findings to the everyday uses of metals.

Resources:

1. Interactive whiteboard

2. Chemicals (e.g. copper sulfate, magnesium ribbon, zinc powder, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid)

3. Test tubes

4. Test tube rack

5. Safety goggles

6. Metal strips (e.g. copper, magnesium, zinc)

7. Worksheets

Introduction (10 minutes):

1. Begin the lesson by asking students if they know what a chemical reaction is and why it is important.

2. Discuss the different types of chemical reactions and their importance in everyday life.

3. Introduce the topic of materials and their properties.

4. Explain that in this lesson, we will be conducting experiments to place metals in an order of reactivity and relate our findings to their everyday uses.

Activity 1: Types of Chemical Reactions (20 minutes)

1. Using the interactive whiteboard, introduce the different types of chemical reactions (e.g. synthesis, decomposition, combustion, single displacement, double displacement).

2. Discuss the characteristics of each type of reaction and provide examples.

3. Ask students to identify the type of reaction that occurs when a metal reacts with an acid.

Activity 2: Placing Metals in an Order of Reactivity (30 minutes)

1. Divide students into groups of three or four.

2. Provide each group with a set of chemicals (e.g. copper sulfate, magnesium ribbon, zinc powder, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid) and metal strips (e.g. copper, magnesium, zinc).

3. Instruct students to place the metal strips in the test tubes and add a small amount of each chemical to each test tube.

4. Observe the reactions and record the results.

5. Ask students to place the metals in an order of reactivity based on their reaction with the chemicals.

6. Discuss the findings as a class and compare the results with the expected order of reactivity.

Activity 3: Relating Findings to Everyday Uses (20 minutes)

1. Using the interactive whiteboard, provide examples of everyday uses of metals (e.g. copper in electrical wiring, zinc in galvanizing steel, magnesium in fireworks).

2. Ask students to relate their findings to the everyday uses of metals.

3. Discuss the importance of understanding the properties of materials and their uses in everyday life.

Conclusion (10 minutes):

1. Recap the key points of the lesson.

2. Ask students to reflect on what they have learned and how they can apply it in their everyday life.

3. Provide students with a worksheet to reinforce their learning.

Assessment:

1. Observe students during the experiments and assess their ability to place metals in an order of reactivity and relate their findings to everyday uses.

2. Assess students’ understanding of the different types of chemical reactions through class discussion and worksheet completion.