Student risk assessment: preparing a salt | 14–16 years

Example pages from the teacher notes and student worksheets that make up this resource

Source: © Royal Society of Chemistry

Two worksheets to guide learners in recognizing hazards, evaluating risks and identifying control measures

This activity helps learners aged 14–16 develop skills in risk assessment as they identify hazards, evaluate risks and suggest control measures for a common chemistry practical experiment. A scaffolded worksheet is provided, with hazards listed out for the core practical making a soluble salt, using the example of copper sulfate. A second worksheet provides a blank template to offer more challenge or for use with an alternative salt or an alternative experiment. The resoruce is linked to a practical video demonstrating a safer approach to making a soluble salt.

All GCSE and equivalent courses require learners to develop skills in evaluating risks in practical science. This resource will help them to focus on this important skill for safe working in the chemistry laboratory.

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