Class Enrichment Information for Cabbage

The “fun facts” section about Cabbage can give you background information to use to develop your own classroom plan.

How to Make an Acid Indicator

Materials: One uncooked cabbage, plastic knives, large spoon, tea kettle, electric skillet or stove, paper towel, funnel, bottle with lid, water pot holders, magic marker, small paper plates. (Also have on hand items for testing such as baking soda, salt, vinegar, various kinds of fruit, baking soda, etc.)

Procedure: Put some water on to boil in an electric skillet or in a teakettle on top of the stove. Give students the small paper plates and plastic knives. Give them a piece of cabbage to cut up. Add the cabbage to the electric skillet or stove. Once the water boils, add the cut up pieces of cabbage to the water. Stir the cabbage, and then let the pieces soak for about twenty minutes. Put the paper towel over the neck of the bottle to form a funnel. Pour the water into the bottle using a funnel. Screw the lid on the bottle. Label the bottle "Indicator."

Results: You can use this indicator to test various items or foods, such as fruit, salt, vinegar, baking soda, etc. If the indicator turns pink, then the substance was acidic. If the indicator turned blue or green, the substance was alkaline. It might take longer for the color to change for some tests. If it does, add more indicator.


www.chatham.edu/pti/Kitchen_Chem/BCleveland_01.htm

Related experiments:

pbskids.org/zoom/activities/sci/cabbagejuiceindicato.html;

www.uark.edu/depts/foodsci/mystery/manual/06_cabbagepatch.html

Fermentation: Making Kimchee in soda bottles:

teams.lacoe.edu/documentation/classrooms/gary/plants/activities/articles/fermentation.html