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Shells Investigate Acids and Alkalis

STEM News and Features


Acids and alkalis are thought of as dangerous chemicals. For example, some alkalis like sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) which is used in drain cleaner can cause very dangerous chemical burns and even blindness. Others, however, like sodium hydrogen carbonate (baking soda, used to ensure cakes rise) are actually safe to eat!  

With this in mind, Shell R has been investigating the properties of acids and alkalis in its Junior Science lessons with Miss Sam Holyman (Chemistry). Pupils have made their own indicators using red cabbage juice which contains a chemical called anthocyanin which is a different colour in acid to alkali and neutral chemicals. In a recent double lesson, pupils carefully mixed acids and alkalis with water and universal indicator which allowed them to make rainbows in a test tube.

Miss Holyman said: 'Shell R has shown some excellent practical and investigation skills. Alicia and Pav produced the best rainbows in the test tubes by carefully following a method. Other rainbows were made as pupils worked effectively as teams using trial and error to complete their egg race! If you would like to make your own red cabbage indicator, please look at the BBC's Bang Goes the Theory.'

More details about this topic may be found on Bablake's VLE under 'Junior Science: Shells- Acids and Alkalis'.

Photographs by Imogen Al-Dabbagh.



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