Homeschool Chemistry Lab - Acids and Bases

We have continued our homeschool study of math and chemistry into the summer.  The boys are doing algebra, multivariate linear sets, and quadratic expressions while Savannah is working on multiplication, division, and speed (timed) additional and subtraction.

The more advanced math has made some of our chemistry work possible.  We've been studying the Periodic Table, atoms, reactions, and electron orbital structures.

This week, we used the Periodic Table to calculate the molecular weight of NaOH, then setup the equation to determine how many grams would be required to create 200ml of 1.0M solution of NaOH.

We reviewed the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) for the chemicals we would be using and discussed proper safety and emergency techniques.

Then the children each weighed the NaOH and made the solution we would use in the experiment.  We had previously acquired 2.0M HCl acid from Amazon.

We had two 50ml burets setup to add to a 250ml Erlenmeyer flask.  We added some distilled water and phenolphthalein to the flask, then added some acid, then base and observed how much acid or base was required to change the solution from acidic to basic, then back again. 

It was a fun and educational introduction to laboratory technique for the kids.