Watch as acids and bases put smiles on their faces. Young chemists learn the concept of acid-base titration firsthand in a microscale experiment. Working groups collaborate, titrate, then use their data to determine the concentration of the sodium hydroxide solution used in the experiment.

Concepts

acids and bases, titration, neutralization, neutralization reactions, salt, water, reactants, products, concentrations

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Adapt the microscale approach to other titration labs to minimize time and maximize learning
• Demonstrate the phenolphthalein indicator solution to the class before beginning the titration

Classroom Considerations

• Be sure to emphasize the products of neutralization so learners become comfortable with salts that are not sodium chloride
• Younger pupils may need additional support in writing and balancing equations

Pros

• Simple, homemade burettes are more student-friendly than their expensive glass counterparts
• The instructions are straightforward and include helpful pictures of the apparatus

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.2 RST.9-10.2