Lesson plans

Acids and alkalis: a concept cartoon | 11-14 years

A photograph showing a bottle of acid spilled on a rock surface; a gloved hand holds a pipette over the spillage

Source: © Shutterstock

Check your students’ understanding of acids and alkalis using this lesson plan with downloadable activities for 11–14 year olds.

In this activity, students are presented with a concept cartoon about an acid spill, then work individually and in groups of three to consider suggestions about how to deal effectively with such a spillage.

The cartoon is designed to check on the following concepts and misconceptions:

  • The difference between neutralising and diluting when water is added to an acid.
  • The idea that alkalis such as antacids somehow ‘break down’ acids.
  • The idea that an indicator reacts with and therefore uses up an acid.
  • The idea that an alkali such as sodium hydroxide will react with an acid to make it neutral.
  • The addition of excess alkali to an acid produces a solution that is also hazardous.

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