Using Poinsettia Leaves as an Acid / Base pH Indicator

Click image to view this resource in my TpT store.

I LOVE this fun holiday activity!

We science teachers know that many plants contain pigments that can be used as pH indicators.  I think we have all created a stink in our homes or labs by boiling red cabbage to use the "juice" as an acid/base indicator!



Did you know that you can do the same with the pigments found in red Poinsettia leaves?

These plants contain anthocyanins, which are water soluble pigments.  These pigments are responsible for the the red, purple, and blue colors seen in flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Anthocyanins respond to changes in pH.  I absolutely love lab activities that use items like this in the lab.  My students are often surprised and excited to discover that household items, such as the Poinsettia or red cabbage, can be used for scientific purposes.  Using the Poinsettia leaves as an acid/base indicator makes for a super fun lab activity around the holidays.

In this lab, the students will use a pigment solution extracted from the leaves of the poinsettia to establish a known pH baseline.  Students will then use this baseline to predict the pH of common household items.

The images below will give you a great idea of all that is involved with this lab. Click on any image below to view this resource in my TpT store.

I hope you find this useful in your science classes.  Enjoy the holiday season!

Science Calendars: Important Dates in Science History

Did You Know??

July 1, 1796:  First smallpox vaccination by Edward Jenner.

July 20, 1969: Neil Armstrong walks on the moon.

May 5, 1963: First human liver transplant.

May 26, 1676: Leeuwenhoek observed his "tiny animalcules."



Kids and adults alike love science fun facts!  These science calendars will provide a fun science fact for each day of the year, as well as provide a cool bulletin board or wall display.

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My students really enjoy reading the science fact of the day, and it has sparked some great questions and conversations in my classroom.








You can print these calendars for your bulletin board, or post them in the hallway outside of your room for a cool wall display.  Or you can simply write the science fact of the day on the chalkboard.

However you decide to use them, they are interesting, students will learn some new things, and well.....they are just fun!!

The calendars run from July through the following June.  I update the calendars each year.  Once purchased, you simply download the new versions each year.

Start your class period with a couple of minutes of "science fact fun" to set the stage for a great class period.