Chemical Reactions Review

WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Understand and describe different types of chemical reactions.
• Explain the concept of reversible and irreversible reactions.
• Apply knowledge of reversible reactions to familiar examples.
• Use scientific vocabulary accurately when describing reactions.

Success Criteria

• Accurately recall and define key types of chemical reactions.
• Distinguish between reversible and irreversible reactions with examples.
• Explain conditions affecting reversible reactions (e.g., temperature, pressure).
• Complete retrieval practice with confidence using dual-coded questions.
• Participate actively in differentiated group activities.

---

National Curriculum Links

• Key Stage 4 Chemistry Content (National Curriculum for England, 2015):
  • "Chemical reactions as rearrangements of atoms" (NC Appendix 2, Chemistry).
  • Edexcel Combined Science specification references:
    • Chemical reactions including exothermic and endothermic changes (Topic 5).
    • Reversible reactions and dynamic equilibrium (Topic 5.1.6).

---

Lesson Outline (50 minutes)

1. Do It Now - Retrieval Practice (7 minutes)

• Activity: Quick quiz on previous lesson’s content (chemical reactions and types).
• Method: Dual-coded - show images of reaction types (e.g., combustion, acid-base neutralisation) alongside key terms.
• Example question:
  "What type of reaction is shown here?" (Image of burning wood)
• Answer: Combustion (exothermic reaction).

Differentiation:

• Provide question cards with simplified language for SEND.
• Use text-to-speech app for pupils with dyslexia.

2. Introduction to Chemical Reaction Types (8 minutes)

• Briefly review the main types of chemical reactions:
  • Combination (synthesis)
  • Decomposition
  • Displacement
  • Neutralisation
  • Combustion
• Use dual coding: diagrams and colour-coded reaction equations on the board.

Adaptive Teaching:

• Use Rosenshine’s Principles — explain slowly, repeat key points, show examples visually.

3. Reversible vs Irreversible Reactions (10 minutes)

• Define reversible and irreversible reactions.
• Illustrate with examples:
  • Reversible: Ammonia synthesis (Haber process), hydration of copper sulfate.
  • Irreversible: Burning paper, rusting iron.
• Use balance scale visual aid showing reaction going forward and backward for reversible reactions.

Group Activity:

• In pairs, students classify given reaction cards as reversible or irreversible, and explain reasons.

Differentiation:

• Provide sentence starters for SEND pupils: “This reaction is reversible because…”
• For advanced learners, challenge with equilibrium shifts under changing conditions.

4. Factors Affecting Reversible Reactions (10 minutes)

• Introduce Le Chatelier’s Principle simply.
• Discuss how temperature, pressure, and concentration affect reversible reactions.
• Use mini whiteboards for students to write short, dual-coded summaries or draw reaction diagrams.

Extension:

• Explain exothermic and endothermic reactions in the reversible context for higher ability pupils.

5. Whole Class Retrieval Slide - Questions and Answers (8 minutes)

• Use a PowerPoint slide with 6 dual-coded questions reviewing today’s topics.
• Example Questions:
  1. What is a reversible reaction? (Answer: A reaction where products can change back into reactants.)
  2. Give an example of an irreversible reaction. (Answer: Burning wood.)
  3. What symbol shows that a reaction is reversible? (Answer: ⇌)
  4. How does increasing pressure affect the position of equilibrium in gas reactions? (Answer: Shifts towards side with fewer gas molecules.)
• Students answer aloud or write on mini whiteboards.

Assessment:

• Use Rosenshine’s frequent questioning to gauge understanding and clarify misconceptions.

6. Plenary - Think Pair Share (7 minutes)

• Question: Why are reversible reactions important in industry?
• Students first think silently, then discuss with a partner, finally share with the class.
• Teacher summarises main points linking to Haber process and environmental sustainability.

---

Resources Needed

• Visual Aids: Reaction type diagrams and equation cards.
• Mini whiteboards and markers.
• Dual-coded PowerPoint slides with reaction images and questions.
• Sentence starters and simplified texts for SEND support.
• Balance scale props or digital animations for reversible reactions.

---

Differentiation Strategies

• Use clear, concise instructions and repeat key points (Rosenshine Principle 2 & 3).
• Provide multi-sensory resources (visuals, spoken explanations, hands-on activities).
• Offer scaffolded writing frames and sentence starters.
• Use peer-support groups pairing SEND and non-SEND pupils.
• Dyslexia-friendly font and reading frames during written tasks.

---

Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

• Investigate the concept of dynamic equilibrium in reversible reactions.
• Research industrial applications of reversible reactions beyond the Haber process.
• Design a mini experiment to observe a simple reversible reaction at home and explain changes.

---

This lesson plan combines adaptive teaching with engaging dual-coded resources, retrieval practice, and aligns fully with the England National Curriculum and Edexcel Combined Science specification. It is designed to support mixed-ability learners in deepening their understanding of chemical reactions with an emphasis on reversible processes.