Activity Overview
A chemical reaction takes place when we combine an acid and a base. This reaction is called neutralization and the equation is: acid + base → salt + water. For example, if we mix hydrochloric acid with sodium hydroxide, they will react and produce sodium chloride and water. There are many examples where this is useful. If a stomach produces an excess of acid, this can cause indigestion. Taking medication, such as milk of magnesia (which is basic), can neutralize the acid and relieve the discomfort.
In this activity, students will identify and create illustrations for the practical applications of neutralization. Have students use books and the internet to research these and then display them in a spider map. They can support their writing with visual elements.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map displaying four practical uses of neutralization.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the titles, identify each practical use.
- Write a sentence summarizing each one in the description boxes.
- Create an illustration for the application using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examples | There are at least four cells, each giving a real world example. | There are at least two cells, each giving a real world example. | There is a least one cell giving a real world example. |
| Visualization | The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the real world examples. | The storyboard cell relates to the real world example, but is difficult to understand. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the real world example. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
A chemical reaction takes place when we combine an acid and a base. This reaction is called neutralization and the equation is: acid + base → salt + water. For example, if we mix hydrochloric acid with sodium hydroxide, they will react and produce sodium chloride and water. There are many examples where this is useful. If a stomach produces an excess of acid, this can cause indigestion. Taking medication, such as milk of magnesia (which is basic), can neutralize the acid and relieve the discomfort.
In this activity, students will identify and create illustrations for the practical applications of neutralization. Have students use books and the internet to research these and then display them in a spider map. They can support their writing with visual elements.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map displaying four practical uses of neutralization.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the titles, identify each practical use.
- Write a sentence summarizing each one in the description boxes.
- Create an illustration for the application using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examples | There are at least four cells, each giving a real world example. | There are at least two cells, each giving a real world example. | There is a least one cell giving a real world example. |
| Visualization | The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the real world examples. | The storyboard cell relates to the real world example, but is difficult to understand. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the real world example. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Acids and Bases: Acid Neutralization
Engage students with a hands-on neutralization experiment using safe household items
Capture interest by designing a simple acid-base reaction using safe materials like vinegar and baking soda. This allows students to see neutralization in action and makes abstract concepts easy to grasp.
Gather and prepare all needed materials before class
Collect items such as vinegar (acid), baking soda (base), clear cups, measuring spoons, and food coloring if desired. Having everything ready ensures the experiment runs smoothly and saves valuable class time.
Demonstrate the mixing process and model safety
Show students how to carefully measure and combine vinegar and baking soda in a cup. Emphasize the importance of safety by wearing goggles and avoiding spills.
Guide students to observe, record, and discuss results
Prompt observation of the fizzing reaction and ask students to record what they see. Lead a discussion on how this represents neutralization and connects to real-world examples.
Encourage students to relate the experiment to everyday neutralization uses
Invite connections by having students brainstorm or write about how similar reactions help with indigestion relief, cleaning, or environmental protection. This makes learning personally relevant and memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Acids and Bases: Acid Neutralization
What is acid neutralization in simple terms?
Acid neutralization is a chemical reaction where an acid and a base combine to form salt and water. This process helps balance acidic and basic substances, making them safer or more useful.
How does neutralization help with indigestion?
Neutralization helps with indigestion by using a basic medicine (like milk of magnesia) to react with and reduce excess stomach acid, relieving discomfort and pain.
What are some real-life examples of neutralization reactions?
Common examples include using antacids for heartburn, treating insect stings, neutralizing acidic soil in gardening, and cleaning up chemical spills. Each uses a base to counteract an acid, or vice versa.
How can students create a spider map to show uses of neutralization?
Students can make a spider map by drawing a central circle labeled "Neutralization Uses," then adding branches for each example. Each branch should include a short description and a simple illustration.
Why is acid neutralization important in everyday life?
Acid neutralization is important because it helps solve problems like acid indigestion, soil treatment, and safety in chemical spills, making our environment and bodies healthier.
More Storyboard That Activities
Acids and Bases
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