Lesson Plan for Senior Secondary 2 - Chemistry - Application Of Electrochemical Cells

**Lesson Plan: Application of Electrochemical Cells** **Grade:** Senior Secondary 2 **Subject:** Chemistry **Duration:** 90 minutes **Topic:** Application of Electrochemical Cells **Objective:** - Understand the basic principles of electrochemical cells. - Explore the applications of electrochemical cells in real-world scenarios. - Conduct a simple experiment to demonstrate an electrochemical cell in action. **Materials Needed:** - Whiteboard and markers - PowerPoint slides (or equivalent) - Textbooks - Zinc and copper strips - Voltmeter - Copper(II) sulfate solution - Zinc sulfate solution - Two beakers - Salt bridge (soaked filter paper in KCl solution) - Connecting wires with alligator clips - Lab coats, gloves, and safety goggles **Lesson Outline:** **1. Introduction (10 minutes)** - Briefly review the concept of electrochemical cells. - Define key terms: anode, cathode, electrolyte, oxidation, reduction, galvanic cell, and electrolytic cell. - Explain the difference between galvanic (voltaic) and electrolytic cells. - Outline the learning objectives for the lesson. **2. Theoretical Background (20 minutes)** - Discuss the components of an electrochemical (galvanic) cell. - Zinc-copper cell example: anode (zinc), cathode (copper), salt bridge, and external circuit. - Illustrate how the flow of electrons generates an electric current. - Use diagrams to visualize the setup of a galvanic cell. - Mention the standard electrode potentials and their relevance in predicting cell voltage. **3. Applications of Electrochemical Cells (20 minutes)** - Discuss various applications: - Batteries: types (alkaline, lead-acid, lithium-ion), how they work, and common uses. - Electroplating: process, examples of plated products, and industrial importance. - Corrosion prevention: explain methods like cathodic protection, galvanization. - Fuel cells: types (PEM, solid oxide), working principle, and applications in clean energy. - Electrolysis: process and applications, such as electrolysis of water, production of chlorine, and aluminum extraction. **4. Hands-On Experiment (30 minutes)** - **Objective:** To demonstrate a simple electrochemical cell and measure the voltage produced. - **Procedure:** - Safety first: Wear lab coats, gloves, and goggles. - Set up a galvanic cell using zinc and copper strips: 1. Fill two beakers, one with copper(II) sulfate solution (CuSO₄) and the other with zinc sulfate solution (ZnSO₄). 2. Insert the copper strip into the CuSO₄ solution and the zinc strip into the ZnSO₄ solution. 3. Connect the copper and zinc strips using connecting wires and alligator clips to a voltmeter. 4. Use a salt bridge (KCl-soaked filter paper) to connect the two beakers. - Observe and record the voltage reading. - Discuss the observations and relate them to the theoretical background. **5. Conclusion and Evaluation (10 minutes)** - Recap the main points covered in the lesson. - Discuss the significance of electrochemical cells in everyday life. - Ask students to reflect on the experiment and relate their findings to theoretical concepts. - Assign homework: a short essay on one specific application of electrochemical cells, including its societal importance and potential future developments. **Homework:** - Write a 1-2 page essay on a specific application of electrochemical cells, emphasizing its importance and potential future advancements. **Assessment:** - Participation in class discussions - Accuracy and understanding demonstrated in the hands-on experiment - Quality and insight of the essay on the application of electrochemical cells **Reflection:** - After the lesson, review the effectiveness of the teaching strategies used. - Reflect on student engagement and comprehension. - Adjust future lessons based on student feedback and observed difficulties.