Sort Chemicals Into Safe Storage Groups

Use the safety data sheet and storage sheets before a lab with chemicals. Pair the precision and scale bar sheets with real tools, and use the incident reports for discussion of what went wrong.

Sort 12 chemical cards such as acetone and sodium hydroxide into five safe storage groups. The directions on the page read: Read the rules. Write each card number under its group, then answer the questions. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade scientific method, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.

Record every digit you are sure of from the marks, plus one estimated digit between the two closest marks. Read a liquid at the bottom of its curved surface, the meniscus, with your eye level with it.

A safety data sheet, or SDS, explains how to handle a chemical safely, with sections on hazards, first aid and firefighting. Match Safety Data Sheet Sections to Questions uses a simplified excerpt for 70% isopropyl alcohol.

Mixing them releases heat. Pouring water into concentrated acid can make the mixture hiss, grow very hot and spatter, as in one of the chemical handling incident reports.

Group them so chemicals that react stay apart. The storage sheet sorts 12 chemicals into acids, bases, flammables, oxidizers and general salts, and explains why hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide never share a shelf.