Red Cabbage Lab: Acids and Bases

Activity Summary
Students use a natural pH indicator derived from red cabbage to detect the pH of various household items. Each group of students will place a small volume of indicator and test substance in a cup to observe a color change. After observing said color change, students will be able to compare their findings to the pH scale to determine whether each substance is an acid, a
base, or neutral.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Explain how pH indicators function
2. Describe the differences between acids and bases

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
pH, indicator, hydrogen ions

Last updated: 3/4/2015