Make your own indicator paper and try this. Some stinging insects spray formic acid into the air when threatened. Find an anthill, step on it lightly to disturb the ants, without getting stung place a piece of indicator paper over the ants.

You'll Need: red cabbage hot plate pot and bowl strainer newspaper scissors paper towel water	break cabbage leaves into small pieces
heat cabbage in water for 15 minutes	drain the leaves over a container

cut paper towel into strips

put strips of paper into cabbage water

spread strips out and allow to dry

test liquids or solutions

If your strip turns pink it is an acid.

If your strip turns green it is a base.

How many different colors can you find?

How can you make other inexpensive science inquiry tools? See the Tools for Investigation cluster for more ideas.

What happens if you mix an acid and a base together? What color do you see when you test a solution of baking soda and water? or chocolate milk? What other vegetables or fruits could be used as indicators?

pH Factor

Incredible number of indicators

Indicator art