Working out oxidation numbers using evidence rather than learning the rules

This activity is designed for Year 12 students studying Chemistry. Rather than teach the students the rules and then give them some examples to work through, this activity encourages independent thinking and problem solving skills. The students are given some of the values for oxidation states and have to figure out the rules. The task has been differentiated by support by proving a list of rules that can be issued if a particular student or group is beginning to struggle.