Activity Overview
After completing their pH scale with single examples, this activity will have students sort different substances into the three categories: Acid, Neutral, and Base. This is a great graphic organizer for students to use as a reference point for the rest of the unit.
To make this activity more challenging, have students research different substances to put in each category instead of providing them with the list included in the instructions. Encourage them to select at least seven of each and try to find ones that are less commonly known. To extend this activity, students can list the substances in order of pH from the most acidic to the most basic.
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 T-Chart storyboard that sorts substances into three categories: acid, neutral, and base.
- Sort the following substances into the correct cell as either an acid, neutral substance, or a base.
- Salt Water
- Coffee
- Dish Soap
- Toothpaste
- Hydrochloric Acid
- Drain Cleaner
- Milk
- Soda
- Tomato Juice
- Bee Sting
- Oven Cleaner
- Pure Water
- Bleach
- Sodium Hydroxide
- Vinegar
- Antacid Tablets
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Orange Juice
- Wasp Sting
- Lemon Juice
- Washing Detergent
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sorting the Terms | Nearly all the terms are correctly sorted into the cells. | Most of the terms are correctly sorted into the cells. | Some of the cells are correctly sorted into the cells. |
| Visualizations | There are a range of visualizations to illustrate the terms in each category. | There are some visualizations to illustrate the terms in each category. | There are few or no visualizations to illustrate the terms in each category. |
| 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
After completing their pH scale with single examples, this activity will have students sort different substances into the three categories: Acid, Neutral, and Base. This is a great graphic organizer for students to use as a reference point for the rest of the unit.
To make this activity more challenging, have students research different substances to put in each category instead of providing them with the list included in the instructions. Encourage them to select at least seven of each and try to find ones that are less commonly known. To extend this activity, students can list the substances in order of pH from the most acidic to the most basic.
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 T-Chart storyboard that sorts substances into three categories: acid, neutral, and base.
- Sort the following substances into the correct cell as either an acid, neutral substance, or a base.
- Salt Water
- Coffee
- Dish Soap
- Toothpaste
- Hydrochloric Acid
- Drain Cleaner
- Milk
- Soda
- Tomato Juice
- Bee Sting
- Oven Cleaner
- Pure Water
- Bleach
- Sodium Hydroxide
- Vinegar
- Antacid Tablets
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Orange Juice
- Wasp Sting
- Lemon Juice
- Washing Detergent
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sorting the Terms | Nearly all the terms are correctly sorted into the cells. | Most of the terms are correctly sorted into the cells. | Some of the cells are correctly sorted into the cells. |
| Visualizations | There are a range of visualizations to illustrate the terms in each category. | There are some visualizations to illustrate the terms in each category. | There are few or no visualizations to illustrate the terms in each category. |
| 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 Acid or Base?
Introduce pH indicators to help students test unknown substances
Engage students by letting them use pH indicator strips or solutions to test whether household liquids are acids, bases, or neutral. This hands-on method helps reinforce their understanding of the pH scale and brings science concepts to life.
Gather safe household liquids for classroom testing
Choose commonly available, non-toxic liquids like lemon juice, vinegar, milk, baking soda solution, and soapy water. Ensure all materials are safe for students to handle and have clear labels for easy identification.
Model how to use pH strips or indicators accurately
Demonstrate how to dip pH test strips into a small sample and compare the color change to the provided chart. Emphasize reading results quickly and recording observations before the colors fade for best accuracy.
Guide students to record and interpret their findings
Have students create a simple table with columns for substance, pH reading, and acid/base/neutral classification. Encourage them to discuss why each result matches or surprises them to deepen their reasoning skills.
Encourage students to connect results to real-world uses
Prompt students to think about how acids and bases are used in daily life (e.g., cleaning, cooking, health). This helps students see the relevance of their findings and sparks curiosity for further exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions about Acid or Base?
What is an easy way to teach students the difference between acids, bases, and neutral substances?
An effective way is to use a T-Chart or graphic organizer where students sort common substances into acid, neutral, and base categories. This hands-on activity helps visualize and reinforce the differences among them.
How can I create a classroom activity to help students identify acids and bases?
Have students research and sort various substances into acid, neutral, and base groups. Encourage them to find at least seven examples for each category, and optionally, order them by their pH levels from most acidic to most basic.
What are some common examples of acids, bases, and neutral substances for middle school science lessons?
Examples include: Acids (lemon juice, vinegar, tomato juice, coffee, soda), Bases (bleach, dish soap, oven cleaner, toothpaste, antacid tablets), and Neutrals (pure water, salt water, milk, rubbing alcohol).
How does the pH scale relate to acids, bases, and neutral substances in student activities?
The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a substance is. Acids have a pH less than 7, bases have a pH greater than 7, and neutral substances have a pH of 7. Sorting substances by pH helps students understand this concept visually.
What is the best way to challenge students when sorting substances by acid, base, or neutral?
Ask students to research and select less common substances for each category, aiming for at least seven per group. For an extra challenge, have them list the substances in order of their pH values from most acidic to most basic.
More Storyboard That Activities
Acids and Bases
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
