Year 8 Science · Unit 3 · Lesson 10

Investigating Change Safely

Challenge Worksheet

Name

Date

Class

Learning Goals

Critically evaluate a written risk assessment to identify errors and omissions.
Apply knowledge of hazards, control measures, and PPE to correct a flawed safety document.
Explain why each error represents a genuine safety concern.

Go Deeper

Find the mistake

A student submitted this risk assessment for a heating experiment

"Experiment: Heating copper sulfate solution in a test tube over a Bunsen burner.

Hazards: The Bunsen burner has a flame. Copper sulfate is a blue liquid.

Risks: The flame could make things hot.

Control measures: Do not touch the Bunsen burner. Keep the test tube pointing up so you can watch the reaction.

PPE required: None needed — the chemicals are not dangerous.

Waste disposal: Pour any leftover copper sulfate down the sink when finished."

1. Identify four significant errors or omissions in this risk assessment. List each one clearly.

Challenge 4 marks

2. For each error you identified in Question 1, write the corrected version. Your corrected risk assessment statements should be specific and scientifically accurate.

Challenge 4 marks

3. Copper sulfate is classified as harmful to aquatic life. Explain why the student's waste disposal instruction (pouring it down the sink) is a problem, and describe a more responsible method. Use what you know about Australian WHS guidelines and environmental responsibility.

Challenge 3 marks

Wrap Up

In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?