STEAM Powered Kids Kitchen Science
$44.99
Introduction
Scientists love asking questions and comparing things around them. Sometimes they want to know if a substance is an acid (like vinegar or lemon juice), a base (like soap), or neutral (like water). To do this, they use a pH indicator - something that changes colour to show where another substance falls on the acid-base scale, a number line from 0 to 14.
Even though cabbage might seem like a boring vegetable, its leaves contain a chemical called anthocyanin, which acts as a natural pH indicator. This means you can bring the science lab to you... with cabbage!
Parents help required for younger scientists.
Step 1:
Gather all your materials:
Red cabbage
Knife
Sieve
Heat proof bowl or container (a glass measuring jug is perfect)
A jar or storage container
Step 2:
Cut up your red cabbage and place it into your glass container.
Step 3:
Carefully pour boiling water over the cabbage until it's fully covered. Let it sit for at least ten minutes to allow the colour to leach out.
Step 4:
Place a strainer over your storage container and pour the cabbage water through it.
Step 5:
Let your pH indicator cool and then get testing! Pour a little cabbage indicator into cups, add a small amount of each substance you want to test, and watch for colour changes. The colour will tell you if it’s a base (green/yellow), neutral (purple) or an acid (pink/red).
