Classroom Chemistry | Lesson 10 - Poinsettia Chemistry

Downloadable (1 PDF - 8 pages)

The activity Poinsettia Chemistry can also be found within the Classroom Chemistry - Let's Do Science Bundle. If you are interested in purchasing this activity and more, you can check out the Classroom Chemistry bundle here.

In this lesson students will use poinsettia leaves to make a special paper that can tell if a liquid is an acid or a base! This hands-on activity explores the chemistry of pH using the poinsettia plant and is ideal for grade 5.

After completing this lesson bundle, students will be able to:

• Understand the difference between an acid and a base
• Use an indicator to identify a solution as being acidic, basic or neutral

Additional resources included with the activity plan:

• Student worksheet
• Student observation chart

Additional resources required:

• Computer with internet connectivity
• Projector White board and markers
• Rubber or nitrile gloves
• Red leaves of a poinsettia plant
• 500mL glass jars
• Small glass containers
• Scissors
• Paper towel
• Q-tips
• Water
• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Lemon juice
• Hairspray or heat protector spray
• Sprite, Ginger ale or 7-Up
• Liquid soap
• Spoon
• Coffee filters