Three types of chemical reaction
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use chemical equations to identify and describe oxidation, decomposition and precipitation reactions.
Key learning points
- In a chemical reaction the + symbol can be read as ‘and’ and the arrow as ‘changes into’.
- In an oxidation reaction a reactant combines with oxygen.
- In a decomposition reaction a reactant splits into two or more new substances.
- In a precipitation reaction an insoluble salt is formed.
Keywords
Chemical equation - A chemical equation describes a reaction, indicating the reactants and products.
Oxidation - Oxidation is a type of reaction in which oxygen bonds to elements of the reactants.
Decomposition - Decomposition is a type of reaction in which a reactant compound breaks down into two or more products.
Precipitation - A reaction in which an insoluble salt forms from two solutions is called a precipitation reaction.
Common misconception
Pupils *very* easily confuse different types of reactions.
Spend time developing ways to help pupils remember the differences and regularly challenge them to explain why one reaction is the type it is.
Teacher tip
Create a circus of reactions during which pupils write the chemical equation to represent it and identify the type of reaction it is.
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following are compounds?
Q2.In a chemical reaction, what are the substances called that start the reaction?
Q3.True or false?: A physical change alters the chemical composition of the substance.
Q4.Which of the following statements best describes a chemical change?
Q5.What is the term for a substance that does not dissolve in water?
Q6.Name this chemical: MgO
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does the "+" symbol represent in a chemical equation?
Q2.In an oxidation reaction, what chemical substance does a reactant combine with?
Q3.What is produced in a decomposition reaction?
Q4.In a chemical equation the signifies "changes into", indicating the transformation of reactants into products.
Q5.A reaction that forms an insoluble salt when two solutions are mixed is called a reaction.
Q6.Which of the following are oxidation reactions?
To help you plan your 10 combined science lesson on: Three types of chemical reaction, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 combined science lesson on: Three types of chemical reaction, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 combined science lessons from the Calculations involving masses unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.