Activity Overview
The pH scale is used to compare different substances and identify how acidic or basic they are. A pH of 1 is a strong acid, and a pH of 14 is a strong base. If a substance has a pH of 7, it is said to be neutral (not acidic or basic). In this activity, students will demonstrate their understanding by creating their own version of the pH scale. Students will link together the strength of the acids and bases and their corresponding pH value. They should also include the colors a universal indicator turns when it is mixed in with a substance.
Alternatively, have students complete this assignment after testing different substances in the lab. Students recreate the pH scale choosing the colors they found for the different substances they tested.
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 visual representation of the pH scale.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Color the boxes to show what color the universal indicator turns at different pH values.
- Use images to show examples of different substances in the pH range.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Indicator Colors | All the boxes are colored correctly showing each pH value. | Most of the boxes are colored correctly. | Some of the the boxes are colored correctly. |
| Visualizations | The visualizations clearly represent examples of each pH level. | There are visualizations for each pH level but they are not clear and someties muddled. | There aren't visulaizations for every pH level. |
| 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
The pH scale is used to compare different substances and identify how acidic or basic they are. A pH of 1 is a strong acid, and a pH of 14 is a strong base. If a substance has a pH of 7, it is said to be neutral (not acidic or basic). In this activity, students will demonstrate their understanding by creating their own version of the pH scale. Students will link together the strength of the acids and bases and their corresponding pH value. They should also include the colors a universal indicator turns when it is mixed in with a substance.
Alternatively, have students complete this assignment after testing different substances in the lab. Students recreate the pH scale choosing the colors they found for the different substances they tested.
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 visual representation of the pH scale.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Color the boxes to show what color the universal indicator turns at different pH values.
- Use images to show examples of different substances in the pH range.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Indicator Colors | All the boxes are colored correctly showing each pH value. | Most of the boxes are colored correctly. | Some of the the boxes are colored correctly. |
| Visualizations | The visualizations clearly represent examples of each pH level. | There are visualizations for each pH level but they are not clear and someties muddled. | There aren't visulaizations for every pH level. |
| 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 The pH Scale
Use Everyday Items to Teach the pH Scale in Class
Engage students by incorporating common household items into your pH lesson.
Gather a variety of safe household liquids
Collect items such as vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda solution, soap, and tap water. These are safe, familiar, and span a range of pH values.
Label each container clearly
Help students keep track by labeling cups or beakers with the name of each liquid. This reduces confusion and streamlines the activity.
Have students predict pH before testing
Ask students to guess whether each liquid is acidic, neutral, or basic. This builds curiosity and encourages critical thinking.
Test each item using universal indicator
Let students add universal indicator drops to each liquid and observe the color change. Compare results to the pH color chart together.
Discuss results and real-life connections
Lead a discussion on why certain household items are acidic or basic, and how this relates to their everyday uses. Connect science to students' lives!
Frequently Asked Questions about The pH Scale
What is the pH scale and how is it used in middle school science?
The pH scale is a tool for measuring how acidic or basic a substance is, ranging from 1 (strong acid) to 14 (strong base), with 7 being neutral. In middle school science, students use it to classify substances and understand chemical properties.
How can students visually represent the pH scale in a classroom activity?
Students can create a visual pH scale by coloring boxes to show how a universal indicator changes color at each pH value and including pictures of common substances that fit each pH range.
What colors does a universal indicator show at different pH levels?
A universal indicator turns red for strong acids (low pH), green for neutral (pH 7), and blue to purple for strong bases (high pH). The colors help identify a substance’s acidity or basicity.
What are some examples of household substances at different points on the pH scale?
Examples include lemon juice (acidic, pH ~2), water (neutral, pH 7), and baking soda (basic, pH ~9). These help students connect the pH scale to real-life items.
How do you explain acids, bases, and neutral substances to middle school students?
Acids have low pH (1–6), bases have high pH (8–14), and neutral substances have a pH of 7. Acids taste sour, bases feel slippery, and neutral substances are neither acidic nor basic.
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