This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Trilogy Chemistry GCSE, particularly the 'Using Our Resources’ SoW.
 
The lesson starts with a Think > Pair > Share task for pupils to consider the properties of gold, pupils can list them down and then share their ideas with the class. The property of gold being very soft is not always useful, especially when it is being used to make jewelery and so it is often mixed with another metal (e.g. platinum) to make it stronger.
 
The concept of an ‘alloy’ is then introduced, as well as a definition and an explanation as to why alloys are useful. Some useful properties of alloys are listed - malleable, durable, strong, flexible - pupils need to come up with a a definition for each of these properties. Once this task is complete students can self-assess their work using the mark scheme provided.
 
The next task for pupils to complete is ‘Who’s right for the job?’ - students will be given information on the properties of different metals, as well as a list of alloys needed for different jobs - used in jewelery/used to make airplane bodies. Students need to select the correct metals to make the alloys required, their work can be self-assessed using the mark scheme provided.
 
The next part of the lesson focuses on iron alloys specifically, firstly students will watch a video on iron alloys and will need to answer a set of questions - this work can then be self-assessed using the answers provided.
 
The last task for pupils to complete is a table whereby students need summarise how carbon content affects steel and it’s properties, this work can also be self-assessed using the mark scheme provided.
 
The plenary task requires pupils to spend a minute talking to the person next to them about what they have learned this lesson.