4 ways to teach redox in terms of electrons

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.