Science Experiments
November 12, 2022
Color Changing Acid-Base Experiment

Color Changing Acid-Base Experiment

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Every kid should have a chance to play the mad scientist at least once in their childhood. Chemistry, with its mixing of potions and unexpected results, is the perfect way to introduce science to young kids. This experiment is particularly appealing, because kids get to mix substances and solutions together and will likely be surprised by the color changes this mixing brings about.

Color Changing Acid Base Science Experiment - this is such a fun chemisty kids activities for kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grdae, 3rd grade

Color Changing Acid-Base Experiment

Acid/Base Background

Nearly every liquid is either acidic or basic in nature. Acids are molecules that release hydrogen ions (H+) when dissolved in water. Bases release hydroxide ions (OH-). The pH scale is a way of measuring and precisely specifying how acidic or basic a solution is. Liquids with a pH between 0 and 7 are considered acidic, while liquids with a pH between 7 and 14 are considered basic.

Liquids, such as distilled water, with a pH of 7 are considered neutral. They are neither acidic nor basic, because they contain an equal concentration of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions. If a liquid has a pH near 7, it is considered either a weak acid or a weak base, depending on which side of the scale it falls. In contrast, an acid with a pH near 0 is very strongly acidic and a base with a pH near 14 is very strongly basic. These substances are dangerous and can cause corrosion and burns.

So how do scientists know if a substance is an acid or a base? One way is using something called an indicator, which changes color depending on the pH of the substance it comes in contact with. The most widely known indicator is litmus paper which turns red in acidic solutions and blue in basic solutions. However, it is easy to make your own. One commonly used natural indicator is red cabbage juice. Another is turmeric, a spice found in the Indian food, curry.

Kids performing color changing acid base experiment

In order to put together this experiment quickly and easily, I’ve used an indicator of turmeric and rubbing alcohol. This solution changes color from yellow-ish orange to dark red when in contact with bases. While the child will not be able to distinguish acids from neutral substances, if they add a substance to the turmeric indicator and it turns red, they will know that that substance is definitely a base.

Color-Changing-Acid-Base-Experiment-Supplies

Color Changing Acid-Base Experiment Materials:

  • turmeric (we used 1 teaspoon)
  • isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol (we used 1 cup)
  • measuring glass or cup
  • 1/2 or 1 tsp measuring spoon
  • spoon for stirring
  • empty glasses or clear plastic containers for observing reactions
  • masking tape and marker to label containers
Substances-to-Test-in-Acid-Base-Experiment

You will also need substances to test. We used:

  • distilled water
  • soap
  • laundry detergent
  • baking soda
  • vinegar
  • lemonade
  • borax
  • oxygen bleach

However, the possibilities are endless. Here are some other suggestions:

  • orange juice
  • tomato juice
  • soda
  • milk
  • shampoo
  • conditioner
  • body wash
  • dishwashing soap
  • bar soap
  • salt water
  • chlorine bleach
  • bubbles

 

Color Changing Acid-Base Experiment Instructions

First, you need to make your indicator solution. Mix 1 cup of rubbing alcohol with 1 teaspoon of turmeric. (You can half or double the ingredients if you want more or less indicator.)

Make-Turmeric-Rubbing-Alcohol-Indicator

Next, label your glass or plastic containers with each of the solutions you want to test.

Divide your indicator solution between your test cups. Since we had 8 glasses, we put approximately 1 ounce of solution in each of our cups. (The exact amount is not important.)

Prepare-Indicator-Solution-for-each-Test-Substance

Finally, allow your child to pour a small amount of each test substance in the corresponding labeled container. If the indicator solution starts to turn a deep red, the child will know the test substance is a base. If the solution does nothing, they will know it is either an acid or is neutral.

Performing-Color-Changing-Acid-Base-Experiment

For added fun, your kids can add a little bit of acid (such as vinegar) to the solutions that they found to be basic. Like magic, they will change back to their original color!

Turn-Red-back-to-Yellow-by-Adding-Acid

Once you’re all done, some kids will have an irresistible desire to mix all their “potions” together. I say let them! What better way to nurture budding scientific curiosity?

Mix-all-the-Solutions-Together

(If you have them, pipettes make a great way to ensure the ensuing “science” doesn’t get onto counter-tops and other surfaces. With my kids, pouring is often messy. Learning to use a pipette is a great fine motor control activity as well.) Have fun encouraging your young chemist!

Acid-Base-Color-Changing-Experiment-Facebook
This is such a fun way to intorduce kids to chemistry and how fun science is!

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Beth Gorden

Beth Gorden is the creative multi-tasking creator of 123 Homeschool 4 Me. As a busy homeschooling mother of six, she strives to create hands-on learning activities and worksheets that kids will love to make learning FUN! She has created over 1 million pages of printables to help teach kids ABCs, science, English grammar, history, math, and so much more! Beth is also the creator of 2 additional sites with even more educational activities and FREE printables – www.kindergartenworksheetsandgames.com and www.preschoolplayandlearn.com

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