Understanding chemical reactions
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Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Atoms, elements and compounds, where they explored the basic building blocks of matter and how elements combine. It deepens their understanding by examining chemical reactions, focusing on how atoms rearrange to form new substances. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Acids and bases, where they will apply this knowledge to explore specific reactions, such as neutralisation, reinforcing their understanding of how substances interact chemically.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Some substances simply form mixtures when they are put together.
- Mixtures contain substances which are not chemically combined.
- The substances in a mixture can usually be separated out again.
- Some substances will dissolve in liquids to form a solution.
- Dissolving is a reversible state.
Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Atoms, elements and compounds, where they explored the basic building blocks of matter and how elements combine. It deepens their understanding by examining chemical reactions, focusing on how atoms rearrange to form new substances. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Acids and bases, where they will apply this knowledge to explore specific reactions, such as neutralisation, reinforcing their understanding of how substances interact chemically.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Some substances simply form mixtures when they are put together.
- Mixtures contain substances which are not chemically combined.
- The substances in a mixture can usually be separated out again.
- Some substances will dissolve in liquids to form a solution.
- Dissolving is a reversible state.
Chemistry
Understanding chemical reactions
This unit covers the conservation of mass in changes of state and chemical reactions, including atom rearrangement. It also focuses on representing reactions with formulae and equations, exploring combustion, decomposition, and displacement, and distinguishing chemical from physical changes.
6 lessons in unit
slide decks, worksheet PDFs, quizzes and lesson overviews. You can select individual lessons from the Understanding chemical reactions unit and download the resources you need, or download the entire unit now. See every unit listed in our secondary science curriculum and discover more of our teaching resources for secondary science programmes.