Prepare sample containers with the substance. Provide scales and weighing papers, distilled and tap water, phonolphthalein, 1.0M HCl, 1.0M NaOH, Bunsen burners in the lab, and graduated cylinders, Erlyenmeyer flasks, thermometers, and scoops at each station. Bring a first aid kit. Have students put away all unnecessary writing utensils and materials, issue blue pens, and have them complete Observation form heading. Broken glass is to be disposed of or any spills cleaned up immediately.
Students are to wear disposable gloves when working with concentrated acids and bases.
Show them how to transport and dispose of the acid and base solutions. To use the Bunsen burners, turn the gas on all the way, use the striker to light the flame, and turn off the gas when finished. Instruct students to wash hands thoroughly with soap when finished handling the substance. They will have approximately 20 minutes to gather what information they can with all they have available. Trade the blue pens for pencils, hand out the List of Questions face down, and instruct the students to turn over the List and begin answering them upon command.