English National Curriculum - Science Science

4. Investigate rusting reactions

Mission Objectives

Identify rusting as an irreversible change

Plan an experiment to investigate rusting and include how to make it a fair test

Explain why rusting is an irreversible change, why it is a problem and how to prevent it

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Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

control variable

all the things we keep the same in an investigation

corrosion

the reaction of a metal with oxygen

fair test

an experiment that only changes one variable

rusting

the reaction of iron with oxygen

variable

something we can change in an experiment

This lesson has been written by

Clare Faulkner

Clare is an experienced primary school teacher, having worked across both Key Stage 1 and Early Years. Before joining Developing Experts, Clare worked as a Quality Assurance Inspector for a childcare agency, following OFSTED's inspection criteria. Clare is passionate about education and ensuring children's learning is exciting and fun!

In her spare time, Clare is also a mother of two very active children and lots of animals! She enjoys a variety of sports and loves the outdoors!

Sarah Mintey MBE

Sarah is a former headteacher and charity CEO who founded Developing Experts in October 2015 with the goal to create a fit-for-purpose curriculum for schools. The company has created a science curriculum for children ages 4-16 which is delivered through sequenced lessons mapped against the National Curriculum in biology, chemistry, and physics. Developing Expert's innovative approach to learning has already been road-tested and voted 'best EdTech product in Europe', winning Tech Nation’s Rising Stars earlier in 2019 and a place on Google for Startups Immersion program 2020. In 2022 Developing Experts won the BETT Awards for Best Classroom Resource - Teaching Aid. Sarah is a 'LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leader' 2022. In October 2022 Developing Experts joined Tech Nation's Upscale 8.0 programme.

Sarah is delighted to be working with over 6500 UK schools and clients such as the Royal Horticulture Society, Network Rail, Rolls Royce, BEIS, National Nuclear Labs, Anglian Water and the Ministry of Defence.

Sarah was awarded an MBE for her services to tech and education in 2020. 

Katie Barrie


Katie is the Chief Operating Officer at DE, which means she oversees HR, finance and our business model. After studying Drama at Exeter University, Katie spent three years as a primary teacher, before relocating to Norfolk and joining Developing Experts. 

In her spare time, Katie likes to sing with Norwich Harmony barbershop chorus and has recently formed a quartet. Katie loves cooking and spending time with her husband, Bryan and dog, Bertie. She has an endearing laugh, which has to be heard to be believed. Many of us see Katie as the office 'Mum', she gives great hugs and keeps our spirits up.  

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Required Resources

Resources: Class presentation, small iron nails, test tubes or other small containers, water, salty water, oil and paint or vaseline.

Core Handout (2): An investigation sheet for children to record their prediction, diagram, method, observations and conclusion. There is also space for children to explain how they will carry out a fair test and discuss their control variables.

Stretch Handout (3): Children can use the Core Handout to record their investigation or write up their experiment independently. The extension handout asks children to explain why rusting is an irreversible reaction, why it is a problem and how it can be prevented.

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