Lesson Plan
Teacher: Tricia Swann
Grade/Subject: 8th Science
Unit: Acids, Bases, and pH
Lesson Title: Acids, Bases, and pH Lab
Identify what you want to teach. Reference State, Common Core, Standards,
STATE STANDARD(S)
and/or State Competencies (SPIs, GLEs).
GLE 0807.Inq.2 Use appropriate tools and techniques to gather, organize, analyze, and interpret data.
√ 0807.9.13 Determine whether a substance is an acid or a base by its reaction to an indicator.
SPI 0807.9.12 Identify the basic properties of acids and bases.
LESSON OBJECTIVE
Clear, Specific, and Measurable – NOT ACTIVITIES
Student-Friendly: "The student will…"
Explicitly Stated for Students
The student will be able to properly use pH indicator strips and LabQuest pH sensors to determine if a substance is an
acid or a base based on its pH.
ASSESSMENT/EVALUATION
Measures Student Mastery In More Than Two Ways
Aligned with the Lesson Objective
Includes Measurable Formative and Summative Assessments
Requires Written Task
Students are informally assessed throughout the lab based on using proper and safe laboratory techniques to test the
pH of the substances. A teacher made checklist is used for this purpose.
Formative assessment will occur through the lab sheet students will fill out during the lab. At the end of data collection
and determination of acid or base for each substance, students will try to identify what the substance is based on the
physical properties of the substance (including pH, visual observations, and odor). Students will also answer questions
about acids, bases, and pH at the end of their lab sheet.
Formative assessment will occur through an exit ticket based on identifying if a substance is an acid or a base given its
pH and/or its chemical formula.
Summative assessment will occur the next day and consist of multiple choice and short answer/essay questions about
acids, bases, and pH.
MATERIALS
Aligned with the Lesson Objective
Rigorous & Relevant
Per Student:
Acids, Bases, and pH Lab sheet
Per Group:
6 pH indicator strips
1 pH color scale (comes with pH strips)
1 Lab Quest with pH sensor
1 500-600 ml Beaker
6 wooden sticks (I use coffee stirrers)
6 small cups (I use medicine measuring cups)
Substances for testing:
Lemon juice
Sprite
Ammonia
Distilled water
Vinegar
Liquid antacid
Prior to the lab, the teacher will pour a small amount of each of the six substances into the medicine cups. The cups will
be labeled A,B,C,D,E,F. The teacher will also pour about 250 ml of the distilled water into each of the beakers to be used
for rinsing the LabQuest pH sensor.
ACTIVATING STRATEGY
Hook
Essential Higher Order Question(s)
Activates Prior Knowledge
Real-World Connections
Since this is a lab, students are generally excited about it and there is no additional hook needed to get them engaged in
the activity. Acids, bases, and pH will be reviewed briefly before the start of the lab.
INSTRUCTIONAL PLAN
Step-by-Step Procedures and Times
Modeling Strategy – “I Do”
Planned Questioning (Knowledge/Comprehension, Application/Analysis, Creation/Evaluation)
Multiple Thinking and Problem Solving Strategies
Grouping Strategies
Differentiated Instructional Strategies to Provide Intervention & Extension
Students have prior knowledge of acids, bases, and the pH scale and have used the LabQuest on multiple occasions.
Students are grouped at tables of 3-4 students per table.
1. Students are directed to pick up safety goggles upon entering the classroom.
2. Briefly review acids, bases, and pH.
3. Students are introduced to pH strips and the pH sensor to be used with the LabQuest. They are given safety
instructions for use with the pH sensor.
4. The teacher demonstrates how to use the pH strips: Dip the end of the strip into a substance and wait a few seconds
for a color to appear. Check the color of the wet strip against the color of the pH scale to determine the relative pH of
the substance. Record the pH on the lab sheet. Use a new pH strip for each substance.
5. The teacher demonstrates how to use the pH sensor connected to the Labquest: The pH sensor should remain in the
beaker of distilled water between tests. When ready to test a substance, take the pH sensor out of the water and place
it into the substance. Once the reading has stabilized, record the pH on the lab sheet. Place the pH sensor back in the
beaker of distilled water between tests to clean it. (Safety note: the pH sensor is glass, so students must be very careful
when handling it.)
6. Students are instructed to determine whether the substance is an acid or base based on its pH and record it on the lab
sheet. Students are also instructed to try to determine what the substance is based on the physical properties of the
substance.
7. Students are instructed to answer the questions on the lab sheet about acids, bases, and pH after they have finished
the lab work and turn the lab sheet in.
8. Students are instructed to pick up a tray containing their supplies and begin the lab.
9. The teacher will walk around the room, making notes of safe and proper laboratory techniques and giving feedback as
necessary.
10. When students have finished the lab and turned in their lab sheets, they are instructed to clean up their tables and
put their supply tray back on the lab counter.
11. The results of the lab are discussed with the class.
12. Students are given an Exit Ticket to determine their ongoing understanding of acids and bases based on pH and
chemical formulas.
GUIDED & INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
“We Do”-“You Do”
Student Work Encourages Higher Order Thinking & Problem Solving
Relevance to Students' Lives
Differentiated Strategies for Practice to Provide Intervention & Extension
In the inclusion classes, students with IEPs or who may need more help are grouped with higher ability students to allow
for peer tutoring, as necessary. During the lab work, the teacher will give more feedback, as needed, to these students.
CLOSURE
Reflection/Wrap-Up
Summarizing, Reflecting, Restating, Connecting
Provides for Student Engagement
Class results of the lab are discussed, including what they think the substances are. An Exit Ticket is given to determine
students’ ongoing understanding of acids and bases.