Chemical reactions: decomposition
I can describe what happens during decomposition reactions, and write chemical equations to show these.
Chemical reactions: decomposition
I can describe what happens during decomposition reactions, and write chemical equations to show these.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Decomposition reactions involve a single compound breaking down into two or more products.
- Decomposition reactions usually require heat, light, or electricity, to occur.
- When metal carbonates decompose upon heating, they typically form metal oxides and carbon dioxide gas.
Keywords
Decompose - When a substance decomposes it undergoes a decomposition reaction.
Decomposition - A type of reaction in which a reactant compound breaks down into two or more products.
Common misconception
Pupils often struggle to understand that not all reactions consist of two substances mixed together to cause a reaction.
Show the symbol equation and how the reactants are rearranged to form the products.
To help you plan your year 8 science lesson on: Chemical reactions: decomposition, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 science lesson on: Chemical reactions: decomposition, 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 3 science lessons from the Understanding chemical reactions unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Boiling tubes, metal carbonates, clamp and stand, heat resistant mat, bung with delivery tube, spatula, limewater.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
