Mixing Colors

Colors are more than just a pretty effect. Learners explore what color change means in terms of chemical properties and reactions. They create a pH solution using cabbage leaves and observe the changes when acids and bases are added. 

Looking for a terrific chemistry instructional activity for your 5th graders? This one could be for you! After a teacher-led demonstration, learners are broken up into groups and perform an experiment using cabbage juice, water, window...

Here's an activity that will change how one sees color. Pupils try out an experiment on chromatography where they place a drop of food coloring on a coffee filter, add several drops of water, and watch the colors spread and separate....

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...

What does a beautiful sunset have to do with the atmosphere? An inquiry-based lesson has learners make observations about the visibility and color of the sky during different time periods. They then relate their observations to...

Watch celery change from green to purple in a video that demonstrates how celery absorbs food coloring to change the color of the leaves. The resource has viewers thinking about the science behind types of water and photosynthesis.

The classic carnation color-change activity for demonstrating water transport up a plant stem is played out in this video. Add the clip to a PowerPoint presentation or show it when teaching plant structure to young botanists. If you have...

The classic carnation color-change activity for demonstrating water transport up a plant stem is played out in this video. Add the clip to a PowerPoint presentation or show it when teaching plant structure to young botanists. If you have...

This visually vibrant activity demonstrates what happens when dish soap weakens the bonds that hold fats and proteins suspended in milk. Perhaps you can have chemistry lab groups perform this activity when they are learning about...

Students explore the components of light as a combination of several colors. The focus of the lesson reveals that objects are viewed in a certain color because that color is reflected off of the object.