Cabbage Juice pH Scale

Urbana Middle School, IL

Under the instruction of Sue Herricks from WaterCAMPWS at the University of Illinois, WaterWorks students learn about the water molecule and the pH scale. The students learned about the concept of disassociation that leads to an imbalance in the ion concentrations and the formation of an acid or a base. Students used cabbage juice to create a homemade pH scale and they measured the pH of common household products.

(Left) Sue Herrick from WaterCAMPWS teaching the kids about water molecules. (Right) Students use marsh mellows to understand the concept of powers of ten.

(Left) Students use cabbage juice to create pH scales. (Right) Cabbage juice acts as an indicator by changing color when in contact with and acid or a base.