Science got colourful in the TPIS laboratory as our Grade 11 Chemistry students explored how everyday vegetables can reveal the secrets of chemistry! Their mission? To discover how red cabbage can act as a natural pH indicator — and the results were both educational and eye-catching.
Armed with lab coats, goggles, and plenty of curiosity, students transformed humble red cabbage into a powerful scientific tool. The process was simple yet fascinating:
- Chop the red cabbage into small pieces.
- Crush it using a pestle and mortar to release the juices.
- Filter the mixture to obtain a beautiful purple cabbage solution — the magic indicator!
- Test the indicator with different household and lab chemicals.
- Watch and record the stunning colour changes!
The science behind the spectacle lies in a pigment called anthocyanin, which changes colour depending on the solution’s pH. When the students tested various substances, the cabbage juice shifted through a whole rainbow of shades — red and pink for acids like sulphuric and hydrochloric acid, blue or green for alkalis such as sodium hydroxide and methanol, and purple for neutral solutions like copper sulphate.
The experiment not only made chemistry come alive but also deepened students’ understanding of acids, bases, and pH levels. More importantly, it showed how science can be sustainable — using natural materials to explore chemical concepts in a fun, eco-friendly way.
At Templer Park International School Rawang (TPIS), learning isn’t just about equations and formulas — it’s about discovering the beauty of science in the world around us. And this time, our Grade 11s proved that sometimes the best chemistry lessons come from the kitchen! 🥬🔬💜