Tests for ions and gases teaching resources

Worksheets and lesson ideas to challenge students aged 11 to 16 to think hard about tests for ions and gases and writing ionic equations  (GCSE and Key Stage 3)

This fantastic and simple demonstration helps students see how carbon dioxide can be used as a fire extinguisher. The demonstrations allow you to discuss some of the properties of carbon dioxide and help students understand the concept of density. 

Tests for ions

GCSE card game on tests for common ions.  Students play in pairs to identify the ion and formula from the description of an ion test. The cards can be reversed so students describe the tests, reagents and observations from the ionic formula. (PDF)

Tests for ions and gasesTests for ions

GCSE summary of tests for ions and gases. This summarises the main tests for ions and gases. It shows students how each ionic compound is confirmed by testing for the anion and the cation. (PDF)

Testing for the sulphate ion – a challenge! 

GCSE practical activity on preparing an insoluble salt. Students are challenged to produce a white precipitate of barium sulphate floating in a colourless solution. They work together to devise a method to produce the insoluble salt, using only HCl, NaOH and copper (II) sulphate. This is a great activity as it makes assessment of learning visible. This resource was contributed by Sana Badri. (PDF)

  1. Reactivity or physical change
  2. Reactivity of metals 
  3. Group 1 metals
  4. Extraction of metals
  5. Redox reactions
  6. Halogens
  7. Tests for ions

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