Acids, Alkalis & pH
Define acids and alkalis in terms of hydrogen ion concentration, describe the pH scale (0–14), and explain how indicators are used to identify and measure acidity or alkalinity
Lesson
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“Acids, Alkalis & pH means practising the idea at the table with a simple hands-on check. We will demo once, then your child tries.”
Bring to the table
- Two everyday materials (e.g. ice cube / warm water / salt / spoon)
- Clear cup and paper for notes
Extra for the adult
Worked example. Ice melts in the warm cup: solid → liquid. Heat caused the change.
Optional challenge. For Acids, Alkalis & pH, add one harder example after success.
What to notice. Keep one parent note: examples tried; results; support used. This session samples Acids, Alkalis & pH, not mastery.
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Acids, Alkalis & pH means practising the idea at the table with a simple hands-on check. We will demo once, then your child tries.
Materials: Two everyday materials (e.g. ice cube / warm water / salt / spoon); Clear cup and paper for notes. 1. Say the goal of Acids, Alkalis & pH in plain words once. 2. Adult shows one property or state change and names solid/liquid/gas or a material property. 3. Child tests three samples and records a property or state observation each time. 4. Fresh check: one fresh property or state observation. Record and stop. Done: three property/state notes with evidence. Proof: parent note of examples and results. Stop: End after the fresh check; keep optional challenge for another day.
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Learning resources
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PhET Interactive Simulations · Practice link — not the full lesson
Balancing Chemical Equations
Before you open · source notes
Balancing Chemical Equations supports hands-on exploration for Acids, Alkalis & pH. Not every lab worksheet.
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Public PhET Interactive Simulations page. An anonymous GET on 2026-11-12 returned HTTP 200 with no login or payment prompt for this URL. Opening the link does not save practice or assess mastery. An adult should preview and guide the learner.
PhET Interactive Simulations. “Balancing Chemical Equations.” External page; Gakuva does not copy, host, embed, or redistribute materials.
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Check understanding
- States that acids have pH below 7, alkalis have pH above 7, and neutral is pH 7
- Explains what hydrogen ions (H⁺) have to do with acidity
- Names common indicators (litmus, universal indicator) and describes colour changes
- Identifies everyday acids (vinegar, lemon juice) and alkalis (bleach, bicarbonate of soda)
“If your child used a piece of universal indicator paper to test lemon juice and baking soda solution, could they predict what colour each would turn and explain what that tells you about each substance?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Matter & Materials
- Age range
- Ages 12–13
Standards