How can you tell they’ve got it: Types of Chemical Reaction?

If they’ve got it, you’ll see things like: Writes a word equation for each type of reaction with an example; Identifies the type of reaction from a given word equation or description; Explains what makes a displacement reaction happen (relative reactivity); Distinguishes complete combustion (CO₂ and H₂O) from incomplete combustion (CO and soot). Or just try it together: If your child saw iron going rusty and a candle burning, could they explain what type of chemical reaction is happening in each case — and write a simple word equation for one of them?

Science Matter & Materials Ages 12–13

Types of Chemical Reaction

Your child can name kinds of chemical reaction. A burning candle is combustion. Iron going rusty is oxidation, when a material gains oxygen from the air.

In curriculum terms

Identify and describe four types of chemical reaction: combustion (burning in oxygen), oxidation (gain of oxygen), thermal decomposition (breaking down by heat), and displacement (more reactive metal replaces less reactive one)

Ages are typical, not deadlines — follow your child’s pace. How to help at home →

How to tell they’ve got it

Tick these off as you see them — no test required.

Writes a word equation for each type of reaction with an example
Identifies the type of reaction from a given word equation or description
Explains what makes a displacement reaction happen (relative reactivity)
Distinguishes complete combustion (CO₂ and H₂O) from incomplete combustion (CO and soot)

🖨 Print this page to keep the checklist — it prints beautifully.

Try this together

If your child saw iron going rusty and a candle burning, could they explain what type of chemical reaction is happening in each case — and write a simple word equation for one of them?

Where this sits on the map

Stuck here? Check the skills it builds on first. Confident? Here’s what it unlocks.

Builds on

Physical vs Chemical Changesages 11–13Types of chemical reaction are specific categories of chemical change — the physical/chemical distinction must come first

Metals vs Non-Metalsages 11–13Displacement reactions require understanding that metals differ in reactivity — metal properties provide the context

Types of Chemical Reactionthis skill · ages 12–13

Unlocks

The Reactivity Seriesages 12–14Displacement reactions are a key application of the reactivity series — reaction types must be understood first

Acid Reactions & Saltsages 12–13Acid reactions are specific examples of chemical reaction types (neutralisation, displacement)

Reactions That Release or Absorb Heatages 12–13Energy changes are a property of chemical reactions — understanding reaction types gives context

solid = must come firstdashed = helps

Curriculum alignment

Where this fits in the official school curriculum — our best automated guess, not yet checked by a person.

This skill sits beyond Year 6 in the Australian Curriculum, so no F–6 code is matched. It also sits beyond the NSW K–6 syllabuses. It also sits beyond Level 6 in the Victorian Curriculum.

Nearby on the map

Acid Reactions & Saltsages 12–13 Acids, Alkalis & pHages 12–13 Earth's Atmosphere & CO2ages 12–14 Finite Resources & Recyclingages 12–14

All Matter & Materials skills →