Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 18/01/2026
Subject: Chemistry
Lesson Topic: Describe the change from metallic to non-metallic character across a period
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe how metallic character changes from left to right across a period.
  • Explain how effective nuclear charge influences atomic radius, ionisation energy and electronegativity trends.
  • Interpret period‑2 data to predict whether an element behaves metallically or non‑metallically.
  • Apply the trend to predict the acidity or basicity of oxides formed by elements in a period.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Periodic table poster
  • Worksheet with period‑2 data table
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Student notebooks
  • Exit‑ticket cards or digital quiz tool
 Introduction:

Begin with a quick visual of a metal and a non‑metal to spark curiosity. Ask students what they already know about why some elements lose electrons easily while others gain them. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to describe the systematic change in metallic character across a period and why it matters for chemical behaviour.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Students answer three rapid‑review questions on atomic radius and ionisation energy.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Explain effective nuclear charge and link it to the observed trends in metallic/non‑metallic character.
  3. Guided data analysis (12') – Using the worksheet, groups examine the period‑2 table and annotate changes in metallic character, electronegativity and ionisation energy.
  4. Interactive demonstration (8') – Show a simulation of electron loss/gain for Li vs F, highlighting oxidation states.
  5. Collaborative activity (10') – Each group predicts whether a given element (e.g., Al, Si, P) will form basic or acidic oxides and justifies their answer.
  6. Check for understanding (5') – Quick Kahoot quiz covering the key trends.
  7. Summary & exit ticket (5') – Students write one concise sentence describing the metallic‑to‑non‑metallic shift and hand in an exit ticket.
Conclusion:

Recap the main trend: metallic character decreases while electronegativity and ionisation energy increase across a period. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding, and assign homework to complete a worksheet extending the analysis to period 3 elements.