Units / Unit A

Acids, Bases, Properties, and WHMIS

Classify compounds by properties; WHMIS-aware safe practices (A-GO2-SO1, SO5, SO8).

Long-form student guide · Alberta Science 10 POS · teaching resource (not a cram sheet)

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Outcome checklist

Alberta Program of Studies — tick each row when you can explain it without the slide.

A-GO2-SO1
By the end of this lesson you should be able to: Illustrate an awareness of WHMIS guidelines, and demonstrate safe practices in the handling, storage and disposal of chemicals in the laboratory and at home
Self-check: Without looking at your notes, give one example or explanation that shows you meet A-GO2-SO1.
A-GO2-SO5
By the end of this lesson you should be able to: Classify ionic and molecular compounds, acids and bases on the basis of their properties; i.e., conductivity, pH, solubility, state
Self-check: Without looking at your notes, give one example or explanation that shows you meet A-GO2-SO5.
A-GO2-SO8
By the end of this lesson you should be able to: Outline the issues related to personal and societal use of potentially toxic or hazardous compounds (e.g., health hazards due to excessive consumption of alcohol and nicotine; exposure to toxic substances; environmental concerns related to the handling, storage and disposal of heavy metals, strong acids, flammable gases, volatile liquids)
Self-check: Without looking at your notes, give one example or explanation that shows you meet A-GO2-SO8.
A-GO2
Big idea: Explain, using the periodic table, how elements combine to form compounds, and follow IUPAC guidelines for naming ionic compounds and simple molecular compounds
Self-check: How does today's lesson connect to A-GO2?

Where this shows up later

Unit A — Polarity and solubility: Acid strength links to particle behaviour in water.

Glossary

acid: Key vocabulary for this lesson (acid). Use your class notes and the slide explanations to state it in your own words — Alberta Science 10 expects you to use this term correctly in context.
base: Key vocabulary for this lesson (base). Use your class notes and the slide explanations to state it in your own words — Alberta Science 10 expects you to use this term correctly in context.
pH: Key vocabulary for this lesson (pH). Use your class notes and the slide explanations to state it in your own words — Alberta Science 10 expects you to use this term correctly in context.
conductivity: Key vocabulary for this lesson (conductivity). Use your class notes and the slide explanations to state it in your own words — Alberta Science 10 expects you to use this term correctly in context.
WHMIS: Key vocabulary for this lesson (WHMIS). Use your class notes and the slide explanations to state it in your own words — Alberta Science 10 expects you to use this term correctly in context.
SDS: Key vocabulary for this lesson (SDS). Use your class notes and the slide explanations to state it in your own words — Alberta Science 10 expects you to use this term correctly in context.

Lab and demo watch-outs

Before lab or demo
Demo: conductivity tester, pH strips, WHMIS pictograms.
Follow your teacher's instructions and school safety rules.
WHMIS and lab practice
Follow school lab procedures and WHMIS labels for any chemicals shown.
Whenever chemicals or equipment are used in class.

Lesson walk-through

Slide 1 · Hook

Household chemicals

Kitchen cleaners vs drain acid — why labels matter in Alberta homes and schools.

Core explanation

We start with a real situation: Kitchen cleaners vs drain acid — why labels matter in Alberta homes and schools. Your job is to notice evidence and ask questions before memorizing definitions.

Check your understanding

Can you connect this slide to something we learned earlier today?

Explain moreDeeper teaching notes — read like a tutor explaining the idea

Unit A — Acids, Bases, Properties, and WHMIS: Acids and bases have operational definitions; WHMIS keeps lab work safe. On this slide («Household chemicals»), the science story is: Kitchen cleaners vs drain acid — why labels matter in Alberta homes and schools. Read like a tutor: connect each bullet to evidence or a model, not memorized wording. Alberta Science 10 expects you to explain ideas in class discussions and written work — this slide supports outcomes A-GO2-SO1, A-GO2-SO5.

Worked example(s)Step-by-step reasoning, not just answers

Apply: Household chemicals
1. State the core idea: Kitchen cleaners vs drain acid — why labels matter in Alberta homes and schools.
2. Link to a second point: Kitchen cleaners vs drain acid — why labels matter in Alberta homes and schools.
3. Give one Alberta or daily-life example that fits both ideas.
4. Check your example against the slide — would your teacher agree?
Why this works: Application proves understanding beyond repeating bullets.

Common mistakes to avoid

Strong acid vs concentrated acid confusion.
On «Household chemicals», use the slide model and vocabulary (acid, base, pH, conductivity) to replace this idea.

Try it yourself

Teach «Household chemicals» aloud in 60 seconds using two bullets and one vocabulary word from acid.

Slide 2 · Learning intent

Outcomes

A-GO2-SO1 WHMIS awareness.
A-GO2-SO5 classify by conductivity, pH, solubility, state.
A-GO2-SO8 toxic/hazardous use issues.

Core explanation

This slide lists what you are learning today (Outcomes). Your teacher will map each bullet to the Alberta Program of Studies—these are the ideas your class must cover, not extra trivia.

Check your understanding

Can you connect this slide to something we learned earlier today?

Explain moreDeeper teaching notes — read like a tutor explaining the idea

Outcomes — A-GO2-SO1 WHMIS awareness. A-GO2-SO5 classify by conductivity, pH, solubility, state. A-GO2-SO8 toxic/hazardous use issues. Connect this slide to 'Acids, Bases, Properties, and WHMIS' and to outcome A-GO2-SO1. If anything is unclear, write a specific question for your teacher — vague 'I don't get it' is harder to help.

Worked example(s)Step-by-step reasoning, not just answers

Think through: Outcomes
1. Restate the main idea in your own words: A-GO2-SO1 WHMIS awareness.
2. List one observation or fact that supports it.
3. State one question you still have.
Why this works: Science 10 rewards clear reasoning, not only recall.

Common mistakes to avoid

Strong acid vs concentrated acid confusion.
Use the evidence and vocabulary on this slide ('Outcomes') to replace the incorrect idea with the class model.
Treating outcome codes as labels to ignore.
Paraphrase each outcome in everyday language — that paraphrase is what you should be able to explain on your own.

Try it yourself

Explain 'Outcomes' to an imaginary classmate using at least two bullet ideas from the slide.

Slide 3 · Safety

WHMIS and lab practice

Read labels and SDS before use.
Proper storage, disposal, never mix unknowns.
Link to Alberta workplace HCS alignment.

Core explanation

WHMIS and lab practice: Read labels and SDS before use. Proper storage, disposal, never mix unknowns. Link to Alberta workplace HCS alignment. In class your teacher will expand on this; use these notes to recall the main science ideas.

Check your understanding

Can you connect this slide to something we learned earlier today?

Explain moreDeeper teaching notes — read like a tutor explaining the idea

Safety content is part of the Program of Studies, not optional extras. Read labels and SDS before use. Proper storage, disposal, never mix unknowns. Link to Alberta workplace HCS alignment. At home, never substitute internet instructions for WHMIS labels, SDS sheets, or your teacher's directions.

Worked example(s)Step-by-step reasoning, not just answers

Think through: WHMIS and lab practice
1. Restate the main idea in your own words: Read labels and SDS before use.
2. List one observation or fact that supports it.
3. State one question you still have.
Why this works: Science 10 rewards clear reasoning, not only recall.

Common mistakes to avoid

Strong acid vs concentrated acid confusion.
Use the evidence and vocabulary on this slide ('WHMIS and lab practice') to replace the incorrect idea with the class model.

Try it yourself

Explain 'WHMIS and lab practice' to an imaginary classmate using at least two bullet ideas from the slide.

Slide 4 · Concept

Properties of ionic vs molecular

Ionic aqueous solutions often conduct; many molecular solutions do not.
Acids release H+ in water; bases increase OH- (Grade 10 operational).

Core explanation

Properties of ionic vs molecular: Ionic aqueous solutions often conduct; many molecular solutions do not. Acids release H+ in water; bases increase OH- (Grade 10 operational). In class your teacher will expand on this; use these notes to recall the main science ideas.

Check your understanding

In your notebook, restate the main idea in one sentence without looking.
Name one new vocabulary word and define it in your own words.

Explain moreDeeper teaching notes — read like a tutor explaining the idea

Unit A — Acids, Bases, Properties, and WHMIS: Acids and bases have operational definitions; WHMIS keeps lab work safe. On this slide («Properties of ionic vs molecular»), the science story is: Ionic aqueous solutions often conduct; many molecular solutions do not. Acids release H+ in water; bases increase OH- (Grade 10 operational). Read like a tutor: connect each bullet to evidence or a model, not memorized wording. Alberta Science 10 expects you to explain ideas in class discussions and written work — this slide supports outcomes A-GO2-SO1, A-GO2-SO5.

Worked example(s)Step-by-step reasoning, not just answers

Apply: Properties of ionic vs molecular
1. State the core idea: Ionic aqueous solutions often conduct; many molecular solutions do not.
2. Link to a second point: Acids release H+ in water; bases increase OH- (Grade 10 operational).
3. Give one Alberta or daily-life example that fits both ideas.
4. Check your example against the slide — would your teacher agree?
Why this works: Application proves understanding beyond repeating bullets.

Common mistakes to avoid

Strong acid vs concentrated acid confusion.
On «Properties of ionic vs molecular», use the slide model and vocabulary (acid, base, pH, conductivity) to replace this idea.

Try it yourself

Teach «Properties of ionic vs molecular» aloud in 60 seconds using two bullets and one vocabulary word from acid.

Slide 5 · Concept

pH scale

pH 7 neutral; below acidic; above basic.
Use pH as classification tool, not sole definition of danger.

Core explanation

pH scale: pH 7 neutral; below acidic; above basic. Use pH as classification tool, not sole definition of danger. In class your teacher will expand on this; use these notes to recall the main science ideas.

Check your understanding

In your notebook, restate the main idea in one sentence without looking.
Name one new vocabulary word and define it in your own words.

Explain moreDeeper teaching notes — read like a tutor explaining the idea

Unit A — pH scale: pH 7 neutral; below acidic; above basic. Use pH as classification tool, not sole definition of danger. In Alberta Science 10, concepts at this level are about models and evidence, not memorizing trivia. Watch for this common confusion: Strong acid vs concentrated acid confusion.. Link what you see on the slide to one outcome code from today's learning intentions.

Worked example(s)Step-by-step reasoning, not just answers

Apply: pH scale
1. Identify the key idea: pH 7 neutral; below acidic; above basic.
2. Connect to a second point: Use pH as classification tool, not sole definition of danger.
3. Give one new example (different from the slide) that fits both ideas.
Why this works: Application proves you understand the concept beyond repeating the slide.

Common mistakes to avoid

Strong acid vs concentrated acid confusion.
Use the evidence and vocabulary on this slide ('pH scale') to replace the incorrect idea with the class model.

Try it yourself

Explain 'pH scale' to an imaginary classmate using at least two bullet ideas from the slide.

Slide 6 · STS connection

Societal hazards

POS: alcohol, nicotine, heavy metals, strong acids, flammable gases — handling and environmental disposal issues.

Core explanation

Societal hazards: POS: alcohol, nicotine, heavy metals, strong acids, flammable gases — handling and environmental disposal issues. In class your teacher will expand on this; use these notes to recall the main science ideas.

Check your understanding

Can you connect this slide to something we learned earlier today?

Explain moreDeeper teaching notes — read like a tutor explaining the idea

Science, Technology, and Society (STS): POS: alcohol, nicotine, heavy metals, strong acids, flammable gases — handling and environmental disposal issues. Alberta expects you to connect science to people and decisions — name who benefits, who bears risk, and what evidence would change your view.

Worked example(s)Step-by-step reasoning, not just answers

Think through: Societal hazards
1. Restate the main idea in your own words: POS: alcohol, nicotine, heavy metals, strong acids, flammable gases — handling and environmental disposal issues.
2. List one observation or fact that supports it.
3. State one question you still have.
Why this works: Science 10 rewards clear reasoning, not only recall.

Common mistakes to avoid

Strong acid vs concentrated acid confusion.
Use the evidence and vocabulary on this slide ('Societal hazards') to replace the incorrect idea with the class model.

Try it yourself

Explain 'Societal hazards' to an imaginary classmate using at least two bullet ideas from the slide.

Slide 7 · Guided practice

Classify samples

Predict conductivity and pH for table of compounds; verify in lab where safe.

Core explanation

Classify samples: Predict conductivity and pH for table of compounds; verify in lab where safe. In class your teacher will expand on this; use these notes to recall the main science ideas.

Check your understanding

Try one practice item again without help—did your method change?

Explain moreDeeper teaching notes — read like a tutor explaining the idea

Unit A — Acids, Bases, Properties, and WHMIS: Acids and bases have operational definitions; WHMIS keeps lab work safe. On this slide («Classify samples»), the science story is: Predict conductivity and pH for table of compounds; verify in lab where safe. Read like a tutor: connect each bullet to evidence or a model, not memorized wording. Alberta Science 10 expects you to explain ideas in class discussions and written work — this slide supports outcomes A-GO2-SO1, A-GO2-SO5.

Worked example(s)Step-by-step reasoning, not just answers

Classify samples
1. Step 1: Predict conductivity and pH for table of compounds; verify in lab where safe.
2. Step: Check units and whether the answer fits the science context.
Why this works: Show your method; marks come from reasoning aligned to the Program of Studies.

Common mistakes to avoid

Strong acid vs concentrated acid confusion.
On «Classify samples», use the slide model and vocabulary (acid, base, pH, conductivity) to replace this idea.

Try it yourself

Try one practice item for «Classify samples» closed-book, then compare to the slide.

Slide 8 · Exit / preview

Polarity and water

Why water dissolves many ions — next lesson.

Core explanation

Wrap-up: Why water dissolves many ions — next lesson. Review these points after class while the ideas are fresh. Copy the three most important ideas into a summary box. Tomorrow's class will build on at least one of them.

Check your understanding

Can you connect this slide to something we learned earlier today?

Explain moreDeeper teaching notes — read like a tutor explaining the idea

Polarity and water — Why water dissolves many ions — next lesson. Connect this slide to 'Acids, Bases, Properties, and WHMIS' and to outcome A-GO2-SO1. If anything is unclear, write a specific question for your teacher — vague 'I don't get it' is harder to help.

Worked example(s)Step-by-step reasoning, not just answers

Think through: Polarity and water
1. Restate the main idea in your own words: Why water dissolves many ions — next lesson.
2. List one observation or fact that supports it.
3. State one question you still have.
Why this works: Science 10 rewards clear reasoning, not only recall.

Common mistakes to avoid

Strong acid vs concentrated acid confusion.
Use the evidence and vocabulary on this slide ('Polarity and water') to replace the incorrect idea with the class model.

Try it yourself

Explain 'Polarity and water' to an imaginary classmate using at least two bullet ideas from the slide.