Crack the pH Code
This lesson challenges learners to become 'pH Detectives' using a homemade indicator to classify common household liquids. They'll explore the chemical properties of everyday substances and understand the concept of pH.
The lesson goal is in this spark, your learner will construct a natural pH indicator using red cabbage, classify household substances as acids or bases based on color changes and explain the importance of pH in everyday life and various applications.
What You Need
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Learning Guide
Step-by-step guidance. No preparation required.
- 1
Introduction5 Min
- What do 'acidic' or 'basic' make you think of?
- Move on when Student engages with the initial questions, sharing thoughts or observations.
- 2
Explore & Plan8 Min
- Gather red cabbage, hot water, bowl, strainer, cup.
- How will chopping cabbage and hot water help?
- Predict color changes for lemon juice and baking soda.
- Chop cabbage, steep in hot water for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the purple liquid into a clean cup.
- Move on when Student has discussed the indicator preparation, made predictions about color changes, and is ready to prepare the indicator.
Photo by Daniel Dan on Pexels - 3
Discussion6 Min
- Which liquids do you predict are acids or bases?
- Explain pH: how acidic or basic something is.
- What does 'pH' mean, and how does it relate?
- Move on when Student can articulate a basic understanding of what acids and bases are, and has made informed predictions about the household liquids.
Photo by MART PRODUCTION on Pexels - 4
Activity9 Min
- Gather 3-5 household liquids and small cups.
- Pour small samples of each liquid into cups.
- Add a few drops of red cabbage indicator to each cup.
- What do you observe? How did predictions compare?
- Move on when Student has completed testing all chosen household liquids and observed the color changes.
Photo by Sarah Blocksidge on Pexels - 5
Summary2 Min
- What was the most surprising color change you saw today?
- Move on when Student shares one key takeaway or connection from the lesson.
Photo by Mark Stebnicki on Pexels
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