How are particles rearranged when iron burns in air? | 11-14 years

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Demonstrate the combustion of iron and explore how particles are rearranged to form iron oxide using this lesson plan with activities for 11–14 year olds.

In this activity, students observe and interpret a practical demonstration and then use the particle model to explain their observations.

The demonstration leads to the conclusion that iron increases in mass when heated in air. Students are asked to think about why and may need to be prompted through a series of questions to the class:

How do you picture the particles in iron?
Is air a mixture or a pure substance?
How do you picture the particles in air?
Which part of air is reactive?

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