Factors that affect the rate of reaction - Outdoor/active learning

Once you have taught the factors that affect the rate of reaction this is a fun way to embed the knowledge whilst also having a bit of fun. You could also teach it as an introduction to the topic, allowing students to learn from the demonstration as opposed to applying existing knowledge to the demo. Contains plans for both student led and teacher led as well as differentiation ideas

Great opportunity to get students out of the classroom and active

Equipment required
Some outdoor space/ ask to borrow the school gym
At least 15 balls (ideally basket balls, footballs or volleyballs)
Your students

Content covered
• How temperature affects the rate of reaction
• How pressure affects the rate of reaction
• How concentration affects the rate of reaction
• How a catalyst affects the rate of reaction
Also allows students to visualise particles and gain a greater understanding of what happens when these factors change in terms of reaction particles

Suitable for KS3, KS4 and KS5 as they all cover rates of reaction

Activity can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on how you run it and whether you discuss the extensions