Transition metals
I can describe the physical and chemical properties and some uses of transition metals, and compare them to Group 1 metals.
Transition metals
I can describe the physical and chemical properties and some uses of transition metals, and compare them to Group 1 metals.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Transition metals are generally stronger, harder, more dense and have higher melting points than Group 1 metals.
- Transition metals react slowly with water or don’t react with it at all.
- Transition metals are often catalysts that speed up chemical reactions.
- Transition metals can form ions with different charges and their compounds often exhibit vibrant colours.
Keywords
Transition metal - refers to a metal element placed in the block between Groups 2 and 3 in the periodic table.
Catalyst - a chemical that speeds up the rate of a reaction without itself being used up.
Ion - an atom or group of atoms with a positive or negative charge due to the loss or gain of electrons.
Density - calculated by dividing the mass of a substance by its volume; a measurement of how tightly packed a substance's particles are per unit volume.
Common misconception
Students may think all metals react vigorously with water, and may believe all transition metals form only one type of ion, and might think that all metals are equally good catalysts.
Unlike Group 1 metals, transition metals react slowly with water or not at all. Transition metals can form ions with different charges, leading to compounds with varying properties and colours. Each reaction will be catalysed best by one catalyst.
To help you plan your year 11 chemistry lesson on: Transition metals, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 chemistry lesson on: Transition metals, 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 chemistry lessons from the Industrial chemistry unit, dive into the full secondary chemistry curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
10 cm³ measuring cylinders, test tubes, spatulas, samples of four powdered metal oxides (e.g. copper oxide, manganese oxide), 5% hydrogen peroxide, test tube racks.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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