There is nothing that makes a kid feel more like a real scientist than making a red cabbage indicator and using it to determine whether household solutions are acidic or basic. Experimenting with a homemade pH indicator is a fantastic hands-on way to introduce children to real world acid/base chemistry. It is one of our favorite kitchen science experiments!
What is a Red Cabbage pH Indicator?
Indicators are chemical compounds that change color when added to a solution to show whether the solution is neutral, acidic, or basic. Red cabbage contains a chemical called anthocyanin that makes a very colorful (and safe!) homemade indicator.
The kids LOVE watching the color change right before their eyes!
Below are some of the most creative and educational red cabbage experiments from all over the web. These cabbage juice indicator experiments are wonderful for students of all ages, at home or in the classroom.
Start out by learning how to make red cabbage indicators. (It’s as simple as cutting and boiling a head of red cabbage!) Then use the juice to:
- Test the pH of various kitchen and cleaning solutions (Including dry ice! So cool!!)
- Learn about carbon dioxide ocean acidification :: The Kitchen Pantry Scientist
- Dye Easter eggs using a natural egg dye + acid/base chemistry
- Create interesting tie-dye art and do a pH test at the same time :: Kids Activities Blog
- Play Mad Scientist and make a fizzy color changing chemical reaction
- Make naturally-dyed green eggs and ham :: Teach Beside Me
- Freeze the red cabbage indicator into heart shapes to make a love potion lab experiment
If you are looking for more ways to teach kids about acids and bases you can make a lava lamp, launch a rocket, explode a snowman, or make a naked egg!
More Science Activities for Kids –>
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