How does sodium react with chlorine? | 14-16 years

A photograph of sodium metal on a black dish

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Investigate the reaction of sodium with chlorine, using students’ understanding of atoms, ions and lattice structure, in this lesson plan for 14–16 year olds.

In this activity, students choose from a bank of phrases to explain what happens when sodium reacts with chlorine.

They work individually to observe and interpret a practical demonstration in terms of atoms, ions, transfer of electrons and formation of an ionic lattice, before anonymously reviewing each other’s explanations.

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