How do you conduct an eighth grade science experiment?

Answer 1

You can show how chemists use indicators to determine if a substance is acid or base.

You make the indicator by chopping up some red cabbage and soaking it in water.* The water will turn blue from the color in the cabbage. This water is your "indicator". Pour it off in one or more glasses and add various substances to see the color change. Acids will make the water red and bases (alkalies) will make the water blue again.

Try vinegar (acedic acid) - a small amount will do.

Try baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).

*The indicator water will be much brighter colored if you heat the cabbage in the water for a minute or two.