AQA GCSE Chemistry Chemical Changes: 10-Lesson Unit
This GCSE Chemistry resource bundle includes a series of fully editable PowerPoint presentations covering the reactions of metals, acids, and their applications in metal extraction and neutralisation. Each lesson is designed to align with the AQA specification, featuring explanations, practical investigations, word and symbol equations, and exam-style questions.
What’s Included in the Bundle?
Lesson 1: Reactions of Metals with Oxygen and Water
* How metals react with oxygen to form metal oxides (oxidation reactions).
* Word and balanced chemical equations for oxidation reactions.
* The reactivity series and how it influences metal reactions with oxygen and water.
* How metals react with water to form metal hydroxides and hydrogen gas.
* Practical demonstrations, including testing for hydrogen gas (squeaky pop test).
Lesson 2: Investigating Reactions of Metals with Acids
* General word equation: Metal + Acid → Salt + Hydrogen.
* Reactivity of metals and their position in the reactivity series.
* Practical investigation to determine the reactivity of different metals with acids.
* Testing for hydrogen gas using the squeaky pop test.
Lesson 3: Naming Salts and Writing Formulae
* How to name salts formed from metal and acid reactions.
* Writing word and balanced symbol equations for salt formation.
* Understanding the charges of ions to determine correct chemical formulae of salts.
Lesson 4: Oxidation and Reduction in Metal Reactions
* Writing ionic equations for metal-acid reactions.
* Identifying which species is oxidised and reduced in a reaction.
* Explanation of electron transfer in redox reactions.
* Using the OIL RIG (Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain) method to identify oxidation and reduction.
Lesson 5: Reactivity Series and Displacement Reactions
* The Reactivity Series – metals in order of reactivity.
* Displacement reactions: More reactive metals replace less reactive metals in compounds.
* Predicting displacement reactions based on reactivity.
* Practical investigations and assessment questions.
Lesson 6: Extracting Metals
* Definition of metal ores and why some metals are found pure while others need extraction.
* Methods of metal extraction:
* Reduction with carbon (for metals below carbon in the reactivity series).
* Electrolysis (for metals more reactive than carbon).
* Blast furnace process for extracting iron.
* Advantages and disadvantages of different extraction methods.
Lesson 7: Phytomining and Bioleaching
* The need for alternative metal extraction methods due to the decline of high-grade ores.
* Explanation of phytomining (using plants to absorb copper compounds).
* Explanation of bioleaching (using bacteria to extract metals from ores).
* Evaluating the environmental impact and sustainability of these methods.
Lesson 8: Acids, Alkalis, and the pH Scale
* Definition of acids and alkalis, including pH scale and indicators.
* Understanding the difference between strong and weak acids.
* The role of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in acids and hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in alkalis.
* Practical investigation using universal indicator.
Lesson 9: Neutralisation Reactions
* General word equation: Acid + Base → Salt + Water.
* Writing word and balanced symbol equations for neutralisation.
* The reaction between ammonia and acids to produce ammonium salts.
* The importance of neutralisation in agriculture (fertilisers).
Lesson 10: Required Practical – Making Pure, Dry Copper Sulfate Crystals
* Step-by-step method for preparing a soluble salt from an insoluble base.
* Practical experiment using copper oxide and sulfuric acid.
* Filtration, evaporation, and crystallisation techniques.
* Risk assessment and evaluation of the experiment.
Why Use This Resource?
* Aligned with GCSE Chemistry (AQA) specification.
* Fully editable PowerPoint (.pptx) – Customizable for different lesson styles.
* Clear visuals, structured explanations, and engaging activities.
* Supports practical investigations and experimental skills.
* Includes exam-style practice questions to enhance student understanding.
Last updated: February 2025.
This bundle is ideal for teachers, tutors, and students looking for a comprehensive, curriculum-aligned collection of lessons on metal reactions, extraction, and acid-base chemistry. Download now to enhance your chemistry teaching!
