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Water pH test

Summary: 
Use a pH test to find out whether different kinds of water are acidic, basic or neutral.
Science content (2016 curriculum): 
Chemistry: States of Matter, Properties of Materials (K-7)
Lessons activity is in: 
Beach Exploration and Studies
Materials: 
  • water from different sources: seawater, drinking water
  • pH test kit that can distinguish between pH 6, 7 and 8
Procedure: 

Test seawater for pH (it is generally pH 8 or basic).
Compare to drinking water (neutral or slightly acidic).
Compare to stream water (usually neutral).
Students might also want to test the pH of their spit (neutral).

Grades taught: 
Gr 4
Gr 5
Teacher: 
Ingrid
Teaching site: 
ingridscience afterschool
Activity originally developed and delivered: 

ingridscience afterschool