SHS2 General Science · Semester 1 Week 3: Science and Materials in Nature

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 2.1.1.LI.3

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Define concentration of a solution in their own words using mass of solute, volume of solution, or percentage terms.
Prepare solutions of different concentrations from a stock solution using measured volumes and simple dilution methods.
Use the pH scale to identify whether a solution is strongly acidic, weakly acidic, neutral, weakly alkaline, or strongly alkaline.
Test common household and laboratory liquids with pH indicators and classify them correctly.
Predict the effect of diluting an acid or a base on its pH value, and verify the prediction through experiment.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Exploring Materials (Strand 1)
Sub-strand: Science and Materials in Nature (1.1)
Content standard: 2.1.1.CS.1 - Demonstrate understanding of liquids in the Lives of humans. 2.1.1.LO.1 Describe the nature and uses of different liquids in the Lives of humans.
Indicator: 2.1.1.LI.3 - Describe how to measure the concentration of solutions and how to use the pH scale to identify the concentration of acids and bases/alkalis.
Suggested placement: Semester 1, Week 3 (Week 3 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 64

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Problem-Based Learning: In small mixed-ability groups, set up experiments for learners and supervise groups while providing support for learners who need extra support to prepare solutions of various concentrations and to identify acids, bases or alkalis using the pH scale.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Acid (HCl or any suitable one)
- base/Alkali (CaO, Na₂O/Ca(OH)₂,
- NaOH etc) reagents conical flasks
- white tiles
- 250ml beakers
- measuring cylinders
- weighing scale
- indicators
- 1-litre volumetric flasks
- alkali
- mineral acids
- pH scale
- stirrers
- pipettes
- distilled water
Assessment (2.1.1.AS.3). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 3 Strategic reasoning; Level 4 Extended critical thinking and reasoning.