After completing their pH scale with single examples, this activity will have students sort different substances into the three categories: Acid, Neutral, and Base. This is a great graphic organizer for students to use as a reference point for the rest of the unit.
To make this activity more challenging, have students research different substances to put in each category instead of providing them with the list included in the instructions. Encourage them to select at least seven of each and try to find ones that are less commonly known. To extend this activity, students can list the substances in order of pH from the most acidic to the most basic.
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Student Instructions
Create a T-Chart storyboard that sorts substances into three categories: acid, neutral, and base.
Engage students by letting them use pH indicator strips or solutions to test whether household liquids are acids, bases, or neutral. This hands-on method helps reinforce their understanding of the pH scale and brings science concepts to life.
Choose commonly available, non-toxic liquids like lemon juice, vinegar, milk, baking soda solution, and soapy water. Ensure all materials are safe for students to handle and have clear labels for easy identification.
Demonstrate how to dip pH test strips into a small sample and compare the color change to the provided chart. Emphasize reading results quickly and recording observations before the colors fade for best accuracy.
Have students create a simple table with columns for substance, pH reading, and acid/base/neutral classification. Encourage them to discuss why each result matches or surprises them to deepen their reasoning skills.
Prompt students to think about how acids and bases are used in daily life (e.g., cleaning, cooking, health). This helps students see the relevance of their findings and sparks curiosity for further exploration.
An effective way is to use a T-Chart or graphic organizer where students sort common substances into acid, neutral, and base categories. This hands-on activity helps visualize and reinforce the differences among them.
Have students research and sort various substances into acid, neutral, and base groups. Encourage them to find at least seven examples for each category, and optionally, order them by their pH levels from most acidic to most basic.
Examples include: Acids (lemon juice, vinegar, tomato juice, coffee, soda), Bases (bleach, dish soap, oven cleaner, toothpaste, antacid tablets), and Neutrals (pure water, salt water, milk, rubbing alcohol).
The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a substance is. Acids have a pH less than 7, bases have a pH greater than 7, and neutral substances have a pH of 7. Sorting substances by pH helps students understand this concept visually.
Ask students to research and select less common substances for each category, aiming for at least seven per group. For an extra challenge, have them list the substances in order of their pH values from most acidic to most basic.