pH Indicator

You will understand acidity and alkalinity through visual changes in color.

Duration25 min

Age GroupAges 11–13

DifficultyIntermediate

SubjectScience

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Concept

What this lesson teaches

This activity helps students understand acidity and alkalinity through visual changes in color.

Materials

What you need

Red cabbage
Water
Clear containers
Strainer
Lemon juice
Soap solution

Steps

How the activity runs

Step 1: Gather red cabbage, water, and clear containers.
Step 2: Chop the cabbage into small pieces and place in a pot.
Step 3: Boil the cabbage in water for 10 minutes to extract color.
Step 4: Strain the liquid into clear containers and let it cool.
Step 5: Test different liquids (like lemon juice, soap) with the indicator.

Why It Works

The learning connection

Hands-on experiments make learning fun and memorable. Observing color changes engages students and reinforces scientific concepts.

Extend the Lesson

Try it with your learner

1. Chop the red cabbage into small pieces. 2. Boil the cabbage pieces in a pot with enough water for 10 minutes. 3. Strain the mixture to collect the liquid in a clear cup. 4. Let the liquid cool down to room temperature. 5. Test the pH by adding different liquids like lemon juice or baking soda solution. 6. What did you notice about the color changes?

Science in Action25 minAges 11–13Grade 6–8Sign in to save this activity

Keep Learning

pH Indicator

See how this hands-on lesson works

What this lesson teaches

What you need

How the activity runs

The learning connection

Try it with your learner

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