Reactivity and displacement reactions

At 11–14, students need to understand that metals can be placed in order of reactivity in the ‘reactivity series’, and that a more reactive metal will displace a less reactive metal from its compound. They also need to appreciate that carbon and hydrogen are included in the reactivity series. They should learn to use the reactivity series to make predictions about possible reactions.

These activites can consolidate this learning. The formative assessment asks students to write word equations for reactions between metals and compounds; they can refer to the reactivity series strips to help them. The microscale practical gives them the opportunity to observe displacement reactions, while Displacement reaction snap is fun way to reinforce learning.

Use these activities alongside the Education in Chemistry article How to teach displacement reactions.