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Here is a great lab to use, whether it with regards to redox (topic 9) or transition metals (topic 13):
It deals with looking at the oxidation states of vanadium by reducing it with Zinc and the re-oxidising it with MnO4–.
There is lots of good teaching to get over in this lab, from understanding redox and writing half equations to seeing that transition metals can have variable oxidation states through the colour of their ions.
Please note, as with any lab outlined on this blog, you are responsible for carrying out the appropriate risk assessments.
Ah, one other point – it smells – it stinks actually. I suspect this is from the reaction of zinc with the acid …. but why? I have posted this question before with regards to iron and acid but does anybody have an explanation for the smell?! 
