Rusting: an irreversible change
I can describe rusting as an irreversible change, where a new material is formed.
Rusting: an irreversible change
I can describe rusting as an irreversible change, where a new material is formed.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Rust is reddish brown in colour and has a rough texture.
- Rust is a new material that is formed when iron or steel is exposed to oxygen in the air and water.
- Rusting is an irreversible change whereby the original material cannot easily be recovered.
- Rusting materials can be looked at closely as they change over time, using observation skills.
Keywords
Rust - Rust is a reddish brown material which forms when iron or steel reacts with water and oxygen from the air.
Metal - Most metals are strong, hard and shiny materials.
Irreversible change - If a change is irreversible, it cannot be undone or changed back to its original state.
Observe - To observe is to look very closely and use other senses too.
Common misconception
Rusting happens immediately when the correct conditions are present and it only happens in water.
Teaching slides explain that rusting is not instant and that moisture from the air provides enough water for the process to take place.
To help you plan your year 5 science lesson on: Rusting: an irreversible change, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 5 science lesson on: Rusting: an irreversible change, 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.
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Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Properties, changes and separating materials unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Steel wool pads and bowls or saucers. Using a transparent centimetre square grid is optional.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
freezing
evaporation
when a liquid changes to a gas
when a solid changes to a liquid
when a liquid changes to a solid
when a gas changes to a liquid
Exit quiz
6 Questions
