LESSON DESCRIPTION:
Students use vinegar, a weak acid, to make a common metal dissolve. As well, students discover what happens when an indicator (red cabbage juice) is combined with an acid and a base .

TIME REQUIRED: 30-60 minutes

OBJECTIVES:
Younger students will learn: 1) acids and bases are types of chemicals 2) acids and bases will affect other chemicals 3) some metals can dissolve in a weak acid. In the hands-on portion of this experiment, students will discover that cabbage juice is an indicator, meaning, it will predictably change colors depending on whether an acid or a base is added to it.

Older students will learn all of the above, plus they will learn the basic chemistry related to acids and bases (Hydrogen Ions H+ and Hydroxide Ions OH-) and what scientists mean by pH.

FACILITIES REQUIREMENTS:
Indoors or outdoors; requires table space; slightly messy. Students will be pouring and mixing household liquids in cups.

SAFETY:
All chemicals used in this experiment are nontoxic, however students are cautioned not to drink them.

CALIFORNIA SCIENCE STANDARDS ALIGNMENT

Kindergarden: 1st Grade: 2nd Grade: 3rd Grade: 4rth Grade:   5th Grade: 6th Grade: