What are some other ways to indicate pH,
and what colors do they yield? Students
use a variety of indicators and unknown solutions to explore
*Safety Alert: Do not allow students to taste
any of the experimental
substances, especially alcohol and phenolphthalein.
DIVIDE the class into cooperative groups.
Each group should consist of four students with the following
- Materials Handler: Distributes materials.
- Equipment Handler: Manipulates materials.
- Recorder: Records results.
- Speaker: Shares results with the class.
Have each group SELECT several
solutions and indicators they want to test. Have the Materials
Handlers distribute the materials to each group.
Have Equipment Handlers TEST all indicators
with all solutions, while the Recorder RECORDS all results.
Have Speakers PRESENT their
results. As a class, CREATE a chart to summarize each group's
What's Happening? Find out more about indicators
and their ranges.
Challenge: Can you find other indicators in your kitchen
or back yard? What indicators make the best testing
strips? Be sure to share your results in our pH