Writing a method

From the research that you have done, describe in detail how you are going to do your investigation. You should include: the equipment that you plan to use how you will use the equipment the measurements that you are going to make how you will make it a fair test a risk assessment. You will be well trained in doing the first four points from KS3. The risk assessment is often the weakest area.. …not because it is hard – because students leave things out!

Spot the difference:- For safety I will follow all the instructions and be careful. The main safety hazards are the chemicals I will be using and the glass The main safety hazards are that the Copper Sulphate is an irritant and there may be sharp edges on the glass. The boiling tube will get hot when I add the magnesium The main safety hazards are that the Copper Sulphate is an irritant and it could cause irritation if it gets in my eyes. There may be sharp edges on the glass that could cause cuts. The boiling tube will get hot when I add the magnesium and this could cause burns. Pretty poor! It has just about identified a couple of hazards Better - has identified the main hazards and explained why they are hazards This scores nothing! Better still – has also said how each hazard could cause injury

The finished article…… The main safety hazards are that the Copper Sulphate is an irritant and it could cause irritation if it gets in my eyes. In order to prevent this from happening I will wear safety goggles and wash my hands after I have finished the experiment. There may be sharp edges on the glass that could cause cuts. I will check all glassware for sharp edges before starting the experiment and replace any that are chipped. The boiling tube will get hot when I add the magnesium and this could cause burns. I will not touch the boiling tube after adding the magnesium and will leave it in the rack to cool afterwards.