The Signs of Chemical Reactions Lab
Directions: Complete all of the chemical reactions in steps 1-4. Observe and record your
findings on the attached observation sheet.
Reaction 1:
 Collect one scoop of sodium bicarbonate in a test tube and 5ml of dilute acid in
another test tube.
 Observe the two substances and record.
 Predict what will happen when mixed and record.
 Carefully pour the acid into the sodium bicarbonate.
 Observe what happens and record.
 When the reaction has finished, carefully pour the contents into the bucket marked
“Waste” by the sink.
 Wash and dry test tubes and graduated cylinders.
Materials:
 2 small test tubes
 2 beakers (acid, sodium bicarbonate)
 1 small graduated Cylinder or graduated pipette
 1 lab scoop
 2 Paper towels
 1 test tube brush
Reaction 2:
 Collect 5ml of phenolphthalein solution in one test tube and 1ml of ammonia solution
in another test tube.
 Observe the two substances and record.
 Predict what will happen when mixed and record.
 Carefully pour the ammonia into the phenolphthalein.
 Observe what happens and record
 When the reaction has finished, carefully pour the contents into the bucket marked
“Waste” by the sink.
 Wash and dry test tubes and graduated cylinders.
Materials:
 2 small test tubes
 2 beakers (Ammonia, Phenolphthalein)
 2 small graduated cylinders or two graduated pipettes (marked)
 1 test tube brush

Reaction 3:
 Collect 5ml of copper sulfate in a test tube and 1ml of sodium hydroxide in another
test tube.
 Observe the two substances and record.
 Predict what will happen when mixed and record.
 Carefully pour the sodium hydroxide into the copper sulfate.
 Observe and record immediately.
 Allow the test tube to sit for 4-5 minutes, observe and record again.
 When the reaction has finished, carefully pour the contents into the bucket marked
“Waste” by the sink.
 Wash and dry test tubes and graduated cylinders.
Materials:
 2 small test tubes
 2 beakers (copper sulfate, sodium hydroxide)
 2 graduated droppers
 1 test tube brush
Reaction 4:
 Collect one scoop of calcium chloride in a test tube.
 Collect 3ml of water in a separate test tube.
 Observe the two substances and record (Note: Pay specific attention to the
temperature of the water before and after mixing).
 Carefully pour the water into the calcium chloride. Observe what happens
 After the calcium chloride has completely dissolved, observe and record the
temperature of the solution.
 Record other observations.
 When the reaction has finished, carefully pour the contents into the bucket marked
“waste” by the sink. Wash and dry the test tube and put all materials away.
Materials:
 2 small test tubes
 2 beakers (calcium chloride, water)
 2 graduated droppers
 1 test tube brush
 1 lab scoop
 2 thermometers
EVIDENCE OF CHEMICAL REACTIONS LAB
Reaction
Reaction
#1
Reaction
#2
Observations Before
reaction
Predictions
Observations During
Reaction
Observations After
reaction
Type of Chem.
Reactions
Reaction
Reaction
#3
Reaction
#4
Observations Before
reaction
Predictions
Observations During
Reaction
Observations After
reaction
Type of Chem.
Reaction
Re-organize (Tables 1 &2 together, 3 & 4 together, 5 & 6 together, 7 & 8
together.) Take your iPad, pencil and chair if needed.
Read (Be sure you know what to do before doing)
Predict (One person is the prediction reminder)
Goggle Nag (One person is the goggle nag. Remind all to have goggles on!)
Mix (Do not hold on to the test tube. Leave in the rack. Prevent damaging your
skin.)
Record (Predict before, record during and after.)
Clean-Up (Waste washed down the sink. Dip test tube in soapy water. Scrub
with your test tube brush and rinse. Dry upside down on the blue pegs.
Rotate (only when your instructor says to rotate)
Return the room back to its original configuration.