pH Measurement/Indicator

You no longer have to shortchange your students’ lab experiences because of the difficulties and expense in preparing buffered pH solutions. This kit solves that problem and eliminates the chances for contamination of reagents through student carelessness. All of the buffers and indicators are pre-mixed and housed in spill-proof, contaminant-proof bottles. Following the step-by-step directions on the worksheet and using the Chemplate®, students carry out a series of dramatically colorful tests which help them better understand pH, its relationship to acids and bases, and its effect on indicator dyes. Each student creates their own pH color guide and attempts to identify the pH of three unknowns provided in the kit. The activities show that indicators can be acid or base, indicators have a range of pH that are different and specific, a mixture of indicators can be used to create a specific guide, and a color guide created by each student can be used to identify the pH of unknown solutions. Kit contains enough material for 30 students working in teams to perform the experiments individually.