4 ways to teach redox in terms of electrons

A shiny new chain and a rusty one

Source: © Macrovector/Shutterstock

Use these teacher-tested approaches to help learners gain a deeper understanding of redox reactions

Redox reactions are all around us. Some, such as photosynthesis, respiration and combustion, are essential to life; others, like rusting, are mildly annoying. Oxidation makes sense to students when expressed in terms of oxygen. To understand a broader range of reactions, students need to understand definitions of oxidation and reduction in terms of electrons. Use this four-step approach to help 14–16 students master balancing half-equations and link back to other areas of their chemistry curriculum, such as extraction of metals, atomic structure and bonding. 

Thanks for using Education in Chemistry. You can view one Education in Chemistry article per month as a visitor. 

A photograph of a teacher standing in a white lab coat, speaking with a class of children in a laboratory, is superimposed on a colourful background. Text reads "Teach Chemistry means support for classroom and staff room".

Register for Teach Chemistry for free, unlimited access

Registration is open to all teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.

Get all this, plus much more:

  • unlimited access to resources, core practical videos and Education in Chemistry articles
  • teacher well-being toolkit, personal development resources and online assessments
  • applications for funding to support your lessons

Already a Teach Chemistry member? Sign in now.

Not eligible for Teach Chemistry? Sign up for a personal account instead, or you can also access all our resources with Royal Society of Chemistry membership.