Taboo – acids and alkalis

A classic game but with a scientific twist to help students become confident with acid and alkali keywords. There is a set of eighteen cards each with a keyword and a set of forbidden words. They have to describe the keyword without mentioning any of the forbidden ones.

This activity is designed to extend the students’ vocabulary range by finding other ways to describe the keyword.  It allows a review of scientific vocabulary in addition to reinforcing the students’ memory of each scientific term.

It could be played in pairs, small groups or as a whole class activity. Perfect as a plenary activity - it helps students develop their literacy skills. Differentiate by removing some of the forbidden words. 

There are teaching notes and suggested extension activities such as asking students to make their own cards to add to the set.