If you have a chemist in your house, teaching them about acids and bases is a fun project.It is easy to make the concepts related to acids and bases.You can discuss things that help kids understand acids and bases, but it is also possible to make your own indicator at home.Kids can use this indicator to see if a substance is basic or acidic.Have fun and be creative.
Step 1: Take out the scale.
You can get some paper and markers.Draw a long, thin, vertical rectangle and draw lines to divide it into 14 sections.Kids can color in each section.If you want to create a scale of gradually shifting colors, start with light yellow in the bottom section, then move on to yellow-orange, orange, red, violet, purple, indigo, blue, green, and so on.
Step 2: The scale should be labeled.
The kids can put a number at the bottom and top of the scale.Near the bottom and at the top, write acids and bases.Explain that the numbers 0-6.9 apply to acids, 7 is neutral, and 7.1-14 refer to bases.
Step 3: Discuss acids and bases.
Explain that acids and bases can be found all over the place.acids and bases are found in many cleaning products.Ask the kids to guess if the substances are basic or acidic.It's possible to say that acidic substances, like orange juice or tomatoes, taste sour.Baking soda and soap are bitter.Some acids and bases can be harmful and this is a good time to explain that.There are two dangerous substances at home, battery acid and ammonia.The children could draw or write the mane of some acids and bases and then identify where they fall on the acid/base scale.
Step 4: What does the scale show?
The pH scale helps people determine how strong certain substances are, so tell the kids that some of them are acidic and basic.Take a look at the scale and see that many substances are acids and bases.Common substances include: bleach, soap, baking soda, Pure water, Black coffee, and Lemon juice.
Step 5: Discuss the chemistry of bases and acids.
Explain to the kids that bases and acids produce different types of hydrogen ion.The stronger the acid, the greater the concentration of H+ ion.Explain to the kids that they are particles with a particular charge if they know a bit about atoms and molecules.The relative concentrations of positive and negative ion are affected by mixing acids and bases.The neutral point on the pH scale will move closer to 7 if you add baking soda to the mixture.
Step 6: Red cabbage juice can be made.
Take a head of cabbage and slice it in half.It should be in enough water to cover the strips.Store the juice in a pot.Let it be.
Step 7: Some of the juice can be put into cups.
Explain that the red cabbage juice is an indicator that a substance is acid or a base.Take some juice and put it in cups.For now, put the rest to the side.It doesn't matter how much you pour.You should experiment with a few ounces.If you have substances to test, use as many cups as you can.If you want to test milk, tomato juice, and soy sauce, use three cups.
Step 8: Baking soda should be added to the solution.
Baking soda can be poured into one of the glasses.A kid should stir until the soda starts dissolving.The solution will change from red to blue.Explain that baking soda is a base.
Step 9: Put it in the solution.
Take some ordinary white vinegar and put it in a glass with baking soda.A kid can stir the solution.It will be red before you see it.Explain that the base (baking soda) of the solution is changed by acidic vinegar.
Step 10: Add different substances to the solution.
Stir different substances into cups.Cola, lemon juice, or milk are good drinks.Before you try any substance, ask the kids if they think the solution will turn bluish or deeper red.Ask the kids if the substance tastes sour or bitter.