AQA Chemistry Unit 4.

2 Introduction to Bonding
Teaching Ideas

Learning Objective: To understand how atomic structure links to bonding. Resources

Lesson Pack
Success Criteria: • To list types of bonding.
Access to periodic tables.
• To recognise the importance of subatomic particles in
Optional: mini-whiteboard and pen per
bonding.
student.
• To recognise parts of an atom.

• To sequence the development of the atomic model.

Context: This is a standalone lesson before commencing the key
stage 4 AQA 4.2 ‘Structure, Bonding and The Properties
of Matter’ topic. This lesson provides learners with the
opportunity to revisit key facts from the previous 4.1 topic
to help secure knowledge of atomic structure, prior to
applying this to bonding.

Starter
As students enter the classroom and settle, show them slide 3. This is a question asking students to draw and label an atom,
either in their books or on mini-whiteboards. The instruction is intentionally vague and the teacher should restrict their input at
this stage. There is an embedded three minute timer. This starter activity allows students to reflect and apply their knowledge of
the 4.1 topic and for the teacher to gauge their current level of knowledge. On slide 4 is a ten-point mark scheme, to allow for
students to self or peer assess their drawings, and on slide 5 is a labelled diagram to help visualise the mark scheme.

Main Activities
Atomic Structure: Key Points
Slides 6-10: On slide 6 is a recap stating the three subatomic particles with a labelled diagram of an atom, with a ‘Pause for
Thought’ question. The question asks, ‘Why is the overall electrical charge on an atom zero?’ This links to the next slide where the
electrical charges are stated. Slide 8 reminds students how to calculate the number of protons (and therefore electrons) by looking
at the atomic number of an element on the periodic table. The number of protons and neutrons can be calculated by looking at
the atomic mass number. On slide 9, there is an opportunity for students to practise calculating the number of electrons by looking
at the symbols for argon and carbon as this particular technique will be useful in the new topic. Answers are shown on slide 10.

History of the Atomic Model Sequencing Cards

Slides 11-12: Show students the ‘Did You Know?’ facts to emphasise the size of atoms and that the scale often shown in images
is not accurate. Slide 12 links the model of an atom to the development of this idea by asking ‘How Do We Know This?’ Students
then recall their knowledge and understanding of the development of the atomic model by completing the History of the Atomic
Model Sequencing Cards and placing sentences in the correct order. The sequencing cards are differentiated, with the lower
ability sheet having the start and end stages already in the correct place, and the higher ability stages completely mixed up.

Page 1 of 2 visit twinkl.com

Periodic Table
Slides 13-14: Students work in pairs to recall four key points (slide 13) about the periodic table. This is important for the new
topic about bonding. They can either write their answers in their book, or on a mini-whiteboard. Periodic tables should be given if
needed to individuals, or provided to the whole class after a specified time, for example 2 minutes. Answers are shown on slide 14.

An Introduction to Bonding
Slides 15-17: Slide 15 shows students five key points to remember, as a precursor to the bonding topic. These summary points
could be written down, but there is time allocated in the plenary for students to write their own five key points. Slide 16 introduces
the concept of chemical bonding and emphasis should be made on the fact that bonds can be found in compounds made up of
different elements, as well as atoms of the same element. Slide 17 states the three main types of bonding that students will
encounter in the next topic – ionic, covalent and metallic.

Ionic Bonding
Slides 18-25: Slide 18 reminds students of the location of metals and non-metals and introduces the key point that ionic bonding
occurs between a metal and a non-metal. Slides 19 and 20 introduce the location of sodium in group 1 and chlorine in group 7.
Slide 21 shows a simplified diagram of the outer electron from sodium moving across to complete the outer shell of chlorine.
Slide 22 asks students to ‘Pause for Thought’ and wonder what the charge on the sodium atom might be, after losing an electron.
The answer is explained on slide 23 and students are presented with the term ‘ion’, linking the name of bonding to the charged
particles formed in this process. Slide 24 covers a similar point by asking what charge the chlorine atom now has. The answer is
explained on slide 25 in a similar format.

Covalent Bonding
Slides 26-27: Slide 26 introduces the key points of covalent bonding. Slide 27 shows a dot and cross diagram of water to help
visualise the idea of sharing electrons to create a full outer shell.

Metallic Bonding
Slide 28: Metallic bonding is briefly introduced, alongside a picture that helps explain the idea of delocalised electrons.

Introduction to Bonding Quick Assessment

Slide 29: Students follow the Introduction to Bonding Quick Assessment Sheet to demonstrate their knowledge of atomic
structure, the periodic table, and types of bonding, by answering foundation style exam questions. There is also a teacher
assessment sheet that could be completed after the lesson where formative feedback can be given.

Plenary: Thinking Ahead

Slides 30-31: Ask students to create a list of five rules about atoms to help them with the next topic of bonding. These should
ideally be key points that are individual to them, points covered from today’s lesson and written in their books to refer back to.
Suggested answers are given on slide 31.

Remind the students of today’s success criteria on slide 32 of the PowerPoint.

Suggested Homework
Students could research further into ionic bonding in preparation for the first lesson of chemistry unit 4.2. Alternatively, students
could complete the Introduction to Bonding Quick Assessment Sheet if not completed during class time.

Page 2 of 2 visit twinkl.com