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In this activity, learners make acid/base indicator paper, place the indicator paper on an anthill, disturb a bunch of ants, and then observe what happens! Some stinging insects spray formic acid into the air when threatened. This activity is a way learners can see the invisible formic acid spray of the insects with an indicator paper they create from paper towels and boiling red cabbage. The indicator paper can also be used to test acids and bases around the house, like soap or lemonade.
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- $1 - $5 per group of students
- Ages 6 - 11
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- red cabbage
- hot plate
- pot and bowl
- strainer
- newspaper
- scissors
- paper towel
- water
- ant hill!
- safe liquids that could be acids or bases found around the house
Subjects
-
Life Sciences
-
Diversity of Life
- Animals
-
Ecology
- Human Impact
-
Diversity of Life
-
Physical Sciences
-
Chemistry
- Acids and Bases
- Chemistry of Life
-
Chemistry
Informal Categories
- Animals
- Outdoor Activity
- Nature and Environment
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- see color
- be mobile
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Science Museum of Minnesota, 1995
Funding Sources:
- Science Learning Network Resource
- Unisys
- National Science Foundation