Understanding Reactions

Lesson Overview

• Unit: Chemical Reactions Unleashed (Lesson 2 of 7)

• Testing

• Lesson Title: Types of Chemical Reactions

• NZ Curriculum Area: Science (Level 4-5)

• Big Idea: Chemistry and Biology are dynamic bodies of knowledge that use unique models and language to explain the material and living environment.

• Achievement Objective: Students will identify and classify different types of chemical reactions, and describe their characteristics using observations and examples.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Describe five types of chemical reactions: synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, double replacement, and combustion.

2. Sort reaction descriptions and chemical equations into categories.

3. Engage in a hands-on activity to apply understanding of reaction types.

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Materials Needed

• Printed reaction cards (with word equations and symbolic equations)

• Coloured cue cards (for sorting activity)

• Whiteboards and markers (for quickfire classification)

• Mini whiteboards for dyslexic-friendly alternative

• Pre-prepared chemical reaction demonstration materials (e.g. vinegar and baking soda, steel wool and oxygen)

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Lesson Breakdown (60 min)

1. Hook – Chemical Reaction Challenge (10 min)

• Objective: Engage students by showing chemistry in action.

• Activity: Teacher performs a quick, simple demo of a reaction (e.g. burning steel wool in oxygen or vinegar reacting with baking soda).

• Questioning:

  • "What do you think is happening here?"

  • "Does the reaction look like things are joining together or breaking apart?"

  • "Have you seen something similar before?"

• Dyslexic-Friendly Adaptation: Provide a visual chart with images and keywords alongside the demonstration to reinforce concepts visually.

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2. Direct Instruction – The Five Types of Reactions (15 min)

• Objective: Introduce students to synthesis, decomposition, single & double replacement, and combustion reactions.

• Delivery:

  • Use short, simple, dyslexia-friendly notes with large fonts, colour-coded reaction types, and key phrases bolded.

  • Each reaction type explained with a real-world example (e.g. combustion = lighting a candle).

  • On a large, high-contrast display, write an equation for each type while verbally walking through how atoms rearrange.

• Dyslexia Adaptation: Provide a written handout with symbols and visuals alongside words to make it easier to follow.

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3. Sorting Activity – Reaction Type Match-Up (15 min)

• Objective: Reinforce classification of reactions through interactive problem-solving.

• Activity:

  • Students work in groups. Each group gets reaction description cards and needs to classify them under the correct reaction type.

  • Cue cards are colour-coded (e.g. synthesis = blue, decomposition = green, etc.) to support students with dyslexia.

  • Once sorted, the teacher checks each group’s matches and briefly discusses key examples.

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4. Group Reflection – Exit Slips (10 min)

• Objective: Check understanding before the lesson ends.

• Activity: Each student writes a reaction equation or description and passes it to a partner to classify.

• Alternative for dyslexic learners: They can draw a quick diagram of reactants/products or use emojis to represent their reactions.

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Teacher Reflection & Next Steps

• Were students able to categorise reaction types accurately?

• Did dyslexic students engage with the colour-coded and simplified visuals?

• What student misconceptions need addressing before Lesson 3?

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Differentiation for Dyslexic Students

🚀 Visual Support: High-contrast slides, clear symbols, and colour-coded reaction types.
🎯 Minimal Text: Concise wording, bold key terms, reinforced with diagrams.
🎲 Hands-On Sorting: Kinesthetic activity to avoid overload from written content.
💬 Flexible Responses: Students can draw, discuss, or use symbols instead of writing long explanations.

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Looking Ahead

Next Lesson: Chemical Equations – How Do We Write Them?

• Students will learn to balance equations as a continuation from today’s classification of reactions.

This approach ensures students feel successful, especially those with dyslexia, while engaging in real scientific thinking! 🚀