Part I

For Part I of this project, you will need to purchase a package of litmus paper. You may find this at shops specializing in school supplies, gardening or health foods. The cost should be minimal. If you are really adventurous  and the season is right  you can make your own litmus paper by crushing blackberries until they are liquid, pouring the liquid onto construction paper and allowing it to dry.

1.     Use your litmus paper, which turns red in acidic solution and blue in basic solution, to determine the acidity of at least 3 various foods, liquids and moist surfaces around your home.Â

2.     Test the pH of your tap water.

3.     Obtain soil from a nearby garden or lawn, shake it with a small amount of water, let it settle and then test the acidity of the water above the solids.Â

4.     Make notes regarding each of your findings.

Part II

1.     Dissolve some baking soda in a large glass of warm water.

2.     Add a couple drops of liquid dish soap and stir.Â

3.     Pour vinegar into this solution.Â

4.     Make notes describing the chemical reaction involved.

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