Hazel Investigates Acids and Alkalis!

This week, Hazel have had their scientist hats on and have been investigating whether sweets are acidic or alkaline. We have been learning about acids and alkalis this term, so the children were able to use their prior knowledge and make predictions before completing the experiment. 

"I think that sweets are acidic. I predict that they will measure 5 or 6 on the pH scale because sweets can taste sour and acidic things are usually sour." Jessica, Hazel

"I think that the sour sweets will be acidic because they have a very tangy taste and acidic foods have a sharp taste too, like lemon!" Ollie, Hazel

The children were extremely sensible whilst completing the experiment and recognised the importance of following the safety rules. 

To complete the experiment, the children put the sweet into a beaker of boiling water, carefully stirring it until the sweet dissolved. Once dissolved, they were able to notice the difference in the colour of the water and test whether it was acidic or alkaline using universal indicator paper. They then compared the colour of the paper to the pH scale and saw that their predictions were correct - well done Hazel!