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Chemistry Color Changers ActivityChemistry Color Changers Activity
Publisher
American Chemical Society
Resource Details
Curator Rating
Educator Rating
Not yet Rated
Grade
K - 5th
Subjects
Science
2 more...
Resource Types
Activities & Projects
1 more...
Audiences
For Teacher Use
1 more...
Duration
30 mins
Instructional Strategy
Experiment
Usage Permissions
Fine Print: Educational Use
Activity

Chemistry Color Changers

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Chemistry Color Changers activity also includes:
  • Chemistry Color Changers (.html)
  • Graphic & Image
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Knowledge of acids and bases doesn't need to be a secret. Learners use red cabbage to create an indicator solution, then test how adding lemon juice (acid) and detergent (base) changes the color of the solution. They then use the concept to write secret messages.

10 Views 4 Downloads

Concepts

color, detergents, acids and bases, indicators

Instructional Ideas

  • Have the class test the acidity of different materials

Classroom Considerations

  • Familiarity with acids and bases is advantageous
  • Requires red cabbage, lemon juice, detergent, and other basic materials

Pros

  • Pictures in the instructions help show the process
  • Worksheet can be downloaded and printed if necessary

Cons

  • Scholars may be confused by references to vinegar and ammonia, given that these substances are not used in the experiment

See similar resources:

Lesson Plan

Acids and Bases: Cabbage Juice Indicator

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Fifth graders perform tests to identify acids and bases.  In this chemistry lesson, 5th graders identify common household substances as acids or bases using cabbage juice indicator strips.
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Lesson Plan

Color Changes with Acids and Bases

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Getting back to the beginning of the unit, learners use reactions with red cabbage juice to determine if solutions are acidic, neutral, or basic. This is a straightforward and classic investigation, but what you will appreciate is the...
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Lesson Plan

Neutralizing Acids and Bases

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Now that your science class has experimented with pH indicator and identified acids and bases, they attempt to get the cabbage juice indicator back to its original color. This is done through neutralization of the acids and bases that...
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Lesson Plan

What is pH and Why is It Important?

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Students investigate about acids, bases, and pH and relate this information to the problem of acid deposition. They use pH paper, students test common household substances to determine whether they are acidic, basic, or neutral. Pupils...
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Instructional Video

Red Cabbage Chemistry

Curated OER
An acid/base indicator that's made of blended red cabbage and water is used to demonstrate the various reactions that an acid/base solution goes through when some carbon dioxide gas is added. The best way to add the carbon dioxide is to...
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Instructional Video

Acid Breath - Cool Science Experiment

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An acid/base indicator that's made of blended red cabbage and water is used to demonstrate the various reactions that an acid/base solution goes through when some carbon dioxide gas is added. The best way to add the carbon dioxide is to...
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Instructional Video

Pbs Learning Media: Acids and Bases: Testing Rockets

PBS
What happens when you mix baking soda and lemon juice? Watch the ZOOM cast launch a rocket using kitchen chemistry. [3:26]
3rd - 8th Science
Interactive

Study Jams! Acids and Bases

Scholastic
This video about pH will not leave a sour taste in your mouth! Through clear explanations and a little humor, upcoming chemists will learn the definitions and properties of acids and bases, as well as how pH is measured. This would make...
3 mins 5th - 9th Science
CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Video

Pbs Learning Media: Acids and Bases: Testing Rocket Cars

PBS
In this ZOOM video segment, cast members make bottle rocket cars using lemon juice and baking soda, and experiment with different ways of launching the cars. [4:46]
3rd - 8th Science
Activity

Science Buddies: Cabbage Chemistry

Science Buddies
This experiment is for all the kids out there who love boiled cabbage. Even if you don't like cabbage, perhaps you will like this amazing color-changing liquid you can make with cabbage. You'll learn which solutions around your house can...
3rd - 5th Science
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