Reactions of acids with metals and carbonates | 11-14 years

A photograph of a labelled glass bottle containing dilute sulfuric acid against a plain background

Source: © Shutterstock

Help your students unravel misconceptions about how acids react with metals and carbonates via this lesson plan with downloadable activities for ages 11–14.

In this activity, students observe a brief demonstration to illustate the reactions of dilute sulfuric acid with magnesium and copper(II) carbonate. After quickly assessing their own understanding of these reactions, students work in groups to evaluate a series of statements about acids reacting with metals and carbonates.

Students are encouraged to share ideas between groups and as a class, reflecting on how their understanding has changed as a result of the activity and identifying aspects that they are still uncertain about.

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