Make Your Own pH Indicator
Medium
With this project, you'll learn how to make your own acid/base indicator using red cabbage. Boil the cabbage and use the juice to test different fluids and observe the color changes.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is that the cabbage juice will turn pink in acidic solutions and green in basic solutions.
Method & Materials
You will grate the cabbage, boil it in water, strain the liquid, and make up some test acid/base solutions.
You will need a half head of red cabbage, a metal grater, a pot, a strainer, and some acid/base solutions.
Results
Through this experiment, you will observe that the cabbage juice turns pink in acidic solutions and green in basic solutions. You can also use the indicator on other solutions of interest or dry it on coffee filters to create a simple form of "pH paper."
Why do this project?
This science project is unique because it allows students to make their own acid/base indicator using a common vegetable.
Also Consider
Experiment variations to consider include testing different types of vegetables to see if they can be used as indicators, or testing different types of solutions to see how the indicator reacts.
Full project details
You can find additional information and details for this science fair project here. Have fun exploring!Related video
Hey there! Here are some awesome videos about this science project that we think you'll really like. They're not only super fun, but they'll also help you learn more about the science behind the project. So sit back, relax, and get ready to have some fun!!
Share this Science Project:
Related Science Fair Project Ideas
Let's find out if cooking fruits and vegetables depletes their Vitamin C content!
Medium
Are you curious about what's really in your fast food? Find out by conducting this experiment!
Medium
Let's find out what happens when baby food is left out of the fridge for different amounts of time!
Medium
Share this Science Project: