A little bit of science magic!

Amazing Value for Money!

No waste – no cutting – just lots of magical fun!

Red Cabbage (Brassica Oleracea L.)  Extract Powder

Whether or not you like to eat red cabbage, you are going to love experimenting with it. This dried cabbage powder will allow you to make your own red cabbage pH indicator. This is a very magical kitchen science activity.

Making a red cabbage indicator is a fantastic STEAM activity to introduce children to acid/base chemistry.

• 75 g dried cabbage powder
• pH card

Red cabbage – which is purple! – is a natural acid/base indicator

pH colour chart

• 15 ml /7.5 g  makes 500 ml of red cabbage pH indicator.
  

  Red Cabbage Powder

• Want colours darker? Use less water.
• Want colours lighter? Use more water

Instructions

• Add 15 ml (1 tablespoon)  to 500 ml of warm water. Let the juice cool.
• Your juice is now ready to experiment with!

If you don’t use it all  – freeze it. Scientific Sue pours hers into ice cube trays and then uses one cube at a time as and when she needs them.

What is red cabbage?

Red cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable of firmly packed dark red-purple leaves. It belongs to the brassica group of vegetables along with Brussels sprouts and kale, and has a peppery taste and crunch when eaten raw, and becomes sweeter and softer in texture when cooked.

Red cabbage is grown in Europe and is in season from September to December. As the plants grow, they form tight balls of leaves in the centre surrounded by much larger green-purple leaves. When the red cabbage is ready for harvesting, the whole plant is picked and the outer leaves discarded, leaving just the cabbage head – the part we eat.

Red cabbage pH indicator experiment showing colour changes from acid to alkali using common household items.

Red cabbage has a good mix of vitamins and minerals, especially folate, which is essential during pregnancy and also helps the body to produce red blood cells. It also contains vitamin C, which helps protect our cells by acting as an antioxidant, and potassium, which we need for a healthy heart.

A 2019 study indicates growing evidence that anthocyanins play a positive role in cardiovascular health and that those who eat foods with anthocyanins have a lower risk of heart attacks and heart disease-related death.

For Parents & Teachers

“Safe Science at Home: Understanding pH with Red Cabbage”
“Teaching pH Safely: A Colourful Journey Through Household Chemistry”

For those interested in the science behind the magic, I’ve created a 24-minute educational video that dives deeper into the chemical reactions, the household substances used in the red cabbage pH scale, and—most importantly—how to stay safe while experimenting.

Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQYd4H3-ZxY

Perfect for curious parents, teachers, or anyone guiding young scientists through hands-on learning!

Science in a Nutshell

The beautiful purple colour in red cabbage comes from pigments called anthocyanins. These natural pigments are also found in the skin of red apples, grapes, plums—and even in the red leaves of autumn!

When you mix vinegar (ethanoic acid) with baking soda (sodium hydrogen carbonate—a base), a chemical reaction takes place. If the end colour of the solution is purple, this tells us the reaction has reached a neutral point on the pH scale.

Top tip: When a base dissolves in water to form a solution, it’s called an alkali.

Be warned—this reaction produces lots of bubbles of carbon dioxide gas! The fizz can easily overflow your beakers, so be sure to carry out this experiment on a tray or over a bucket to avoid mess.

pH and Acidity

• The pH scale runs from 0 to 14, where:

  • 0 = most acidic

  • 7 = neutral

  • 14 = most alkaline (or basic)

• A neutral solution (like pure water) has a pH of 7.

• Acids have an excess of hydrogen ions (H⁺).

• Alkalis have fewer H⁺ ions than neutral water and a pH greater than 7.

Examples of acids:

• Citric acid crystals

• Liquid vinegar

Acids react with bases (solids) and alkalis (liquids) to produce:
→ a salt, water, and carbon dioxide gas.

Fun Fact!

Citric acid, baking soda, and soap are the key ingredients in many bath bombs! That fizzy fun is all thanks to chemistry.

Safety First!

Because this experiment can get messy and splashy, younger scientists should always wear safety goggles or swimming goggles to protect their eyes.

The post RED CABBAGE MAGIC 75 g appeared first on Science2Life.

Change the end of the story with FriXion Colors, the erasable colouring pen from Pilot.

Using FriXion Colors you can let your creativity run free to draw and colour. If you don’t like the direction it’s heading, simply erase your mistakes with the attached eraser stud and start again.

The unique ink responds to heat generated by rubbing with the eraser and goes clear, allowing you to colour over again (or leave blank if you have cleaned up where you strayed over the lines).

Perfect for all ages and with a number of practical everyday uses, FriXion Colors is much more than just a felt-tip colouring pen. As well as drawing and colouring, FriXion Colors is also perfect for marking up notes or reference points in textbooks and is a great solution for temporarily marking on fabrics and for making secret messages!

The 2.5mm polyester fibre tip gives a 0.69mm colouring stroke.

• Ink Colour : Assorted colours
• Writing width : 0.63 mm
• Tip size : 2.50 mm

A little bit of Science

Scientific Sue uses these pens in her Virtual Science of Dragons Show!

The secret behind the magic is in Pilot’s proprietary thermochromic ink. The ink uses three types of chemical compounds that rely on:

• acid-base and temperature sensitivity:
• special types of dye that change colour upon reaction with acids;
• compounds that act as acids to produce the colour change; and
• compounds that regulate the temperature at which the colour transition will take place.

Thermochromic inks are heat sensitive and become semi-transparent and are mainly used to reveal a printed message hidden underneath the ink when a temperature change occurs. The most common heat reactive ink is used to reveal a message by heating it up, usually by rubbing. This is the ink in the FriXion pens.

The dyes are called leucodyes and they are chemicals that change colour when heat energy makes their molecules shift back and forth between two subtly different structures – known as the leuco (colourless) and the non-leuco (coloured) forms. The leuco and no-leuco forms absorb and reflect light different, so appear very different colours when printed on a material such as paper or cotton.

In the show Sue uses a hairdryer to make her colourful dragon disappear. The Dragon will reappear again if you cool it down. Place it in the freezer or…. book the show and find out how Scientific Sue does it!

Smart Colours

Devi Stuart-Fox, an Australian scientist has, as a result of her studies of the colour in lizards and birds, shown that the remarkable ability of chameleons to change colour evolved not as camouflage, but as a social and territorial display. She has also found out that bearded dragons change colour in response to heat – they are thermochromic. Many of your children will have seen thermochromic mugs, ask them to think about how materials which change colour due to a difference in heat could be used in the home.

As a result of Devi’s studies other scientists are now developing bandages, smart bandages, that change colour in response to slight changes in the temperature of the wound.

Scientists have invented colour-changing bowls and spoons which let parents know if the food for babies is too hot plus toys which change colour in the bath indicating the waters’ temperature.

Children may also have seen the colour changing thermometers which are placed on the forehead.

Everyone’s heard the phrase “red hot,” but what does it actually mean? If you heat an iron bar in a furnace, you’ll see it slowly changes colour from its original gray-black (at about 600°C) to red hot (~950°C), yellow hot (~1100°C), and then white hot (at higher temperatures still). The hotter it gets; the more energy it contains. As the fire pumps energy into the iron, the irons’ atoms become “excited” and unstable, and their electrons absorb the energy briefly, then hurl it back out again in the form of light particles known as photons. That’s generally why hot things change colour—and why their colour changes (from red to white) as they get hotter and spew out different kinds of light energy. It’s an example of what’s called incandescence, where heat energy is constantly converted to light energy.

Thermochromic materials change colour at much lower temperatures and for very different reasons that have nothing to do with incandescence. There are two main types of materials that are widely used to produce thermochromic effects. Some use liquid crystals (the materials from which your computer or mobile phone display is most likely made); others use organic (carbon-based) dyes known as leuco dyes the dyes used in the FriXion pens.

Sometimes we want things to change colour as they get hotter or colder just for novelty or entertainment.

Or maybe you have a T-shirt or a poster that changes colour when you touch it?

The post PILOT FRIXION COLOURS ERASABLE FELT TIP PENS appeared first on Science2Life.

Citric Acid Crystals

100 g Citric Acid

In the European Union citric acid is known as E 330 as a food additive.

Citric Acid is a weak organic acid. It occurs naturally in citrus fruits and it is the ‘sugar like’ coating on sweets such as ‘toxic waste’, ‘lemon drops’ and ‘Sour Haribos’.

It looks like sugar but is definitely not sweet! Citric acid, just like lemons and lime is very sour.

Citric Acid is one off the stronger edible acids. It’s dominant use is in flavouring and preservative in food and beverages, especially soft drinks

It is also one of the main ingredients in Bath Bombs, Colour Changing Bubble Baths and Lemonade! Scientific Sue also uses in her Magical Amortentia Spell – A love Enchantment

SAFETY

Although a weak acid, exposure to pure citric acid can cause adverse effects. Inhalation may cause cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat. Over-ingestion may cause abdominal pain and sore throat. Exposure of concentrated solutions to skin and eyes can cause redness and pain. Long-term or repeated consumption may cause erosion of tooth enamel.

The post CITRIC ACID 100g appeared first on Science2Life.

Crazy Foam’s colour changing bubble bath: Kids go crazy for magically changing bubble bath. Pour, mix and watch the ‘magical’  colour changes from: red to green then blue!

Contents:

Teaching notes for colour changing bubble bath

• 200 ml Colour changing bubble bath
• Teaching notes
• 30 ml Measuring cup
• 3 ml Pipette.

Buying for a special occasion? Then we recommend our safety glasses and Primary Science Kit as additional purchases to make this an amazing science gift!

Make your bath-time magical with our colour changing bubble bath. Watch the mild & gentle bubble bath change from orange to blue in front of your very eyes!

How the bubble bath works

Colour changing bubble bath that can change from orange to green pH balanced formula to gently cleanse and moisturise delicate skin SLES and Paraben free. Fabulous fruity scent in Red to Blue bubble bath.

Teaching notes for colour changing bubble bath

This product is:

• Mild & Gentle
• Hypo-Allergenic
• Dermatologically Tested
• Paraben Free

Check out Science2Life’s teaching notes to find out how to make a bubble solution that bounces and a colour changing bath bomb!

A snippet from our teaching notes

Bromocresol green is a dye used as a pH indicator for many biological experiments.

Bromocresol green colour chart

A pH indicator is a chemical compound added in small amounts to a solution so that the pH (acidity or alkalinity) of the solution can be seen. The pH indicator is a chemical detector for hydronium ions (H3O+) or hydrogen ions (H+). The indicators change the colour of the solution depending on the pH. Some indicators only have 2 colour changes; Litmus (a solution of different dyes made from lichen)  is red in acid or blue in alkaline solutions.

Typical indicators are phenolphthalein, methyl orange, methyl red, bromothymol blue, and thymol blue. They each change colour at different points on the pH scale, and can be used together as a universal indicator.

Bromocresol green is yellow in solutions with pH values less than 3.8; green for pH values between 3.8 and 5.4 and blue for solutions with a pH value above 5.4.

Why does the bath water always turn the bubble bath blue?

The pH of pure water is 7, any solution with a pH less than 7 is considered to be acidic, and with a pH above 7 considered alkaline. However, tap water can have a pH value between 6.5 and 8.5. For all liquids which have a pH value greater that 5.4 the bromocresol green indicator in the soap will always turn a blue colour.

The post COLOUR CHANGING BUBBLE BATH – RED TO BLUE appeared first on Science2Life.

Whether or not you like to eat red cabbage, you are going to love experimenting with it. This dried cabbage powder will allow you to make your own red cabbage pH indicator. This is a very magical kitchen science activity.

Making a red cabbage indicator is a fantastic STEAM activity to introduce children to acid/base chemistry.

• 10 g dried cabbage powder
• pH colour card

Red cabbage – which is purple! – is a natural acid/base indicator

• Contents makes1 L of red cabbage pH indicator.
• Want colours darker? Use less water.
• Want colours lighter? Use more water

Instructions

• Add half of the  sachet contents  to 500 ml of warm water. Let the juice cool.
• Your juice is now ready to experiment with!
• If you want the colours to be darker add more powder; add more water if you want the colours to be lighter.

If you don’t use it all  – freeze it. Scientific Sue pours hers into ice cube trays and then uses one cube at a time as and when she needs them.

What is red cabbage?

Red cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable of firmly packed dark red-purple leaves. It belongs to the brassica group of vegetables along with Brussels sprouts and kale, and has a peppery taste and crunch when eaten raw, and becomes sweeter and softer in texture when cooked.

Red cabbage pH indicator experiment showing colour changes from acid to alkali using common household items.

Red cabbage is grown in Europe and is in season from September to December. As the plants grow, they form tight balls of leaves in the centre surrounded by much larger green-purple leaves. When the red cabbage is ready for harvesting, the whole plant is picked and the outer leaves discarded, leaving just the cabbage head – the part we eat.

Red cabbage has a good mix of vitamins and minerals, especially folate, which is essential during pregnancy and also helps the body to produce red blood cells. It also contains vitamin C, which helps protect our cells by acting as an antioxidant, and potassium, which we need for a healthy heart.

A 2019 study indicates growing evidence that anthocyanins play a positive role in cardiovascular health and that those who eat foods with anthocyanins have a lower risk of heart attacks and heart disease-related death.

For Parents & Teachers

“Safe Science at Home: Understanding pH with Red Cabbage”
“Teaching pH Safely: A Colourful Journey Through Household Chemistry”

For those interested in the science behind the magic, I’ve created a 24-minute educational video that dives deeper into the chemical reactions, the household substances used in the red cabbage pH scale, and—most importantly—how to stay safe while experimenting.

Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQYd4H3-ZxY

Perfect for curious parents, teachers, or anyone guiding young scientists through hands-on learning!

Science in a Nutshell

The purple colour in the red cabbage comes from a class of pigments called anthocyanins; this pigment is also found in the skin of red apples, grapes, plums and is the pigment in leaves which turn red in the autumn.

When the vinegar (ethanoic acid) is mixed with the baking soda (sodium hydrogen carbonate – a BASE) a chemical reaction takes place and the end solution will be a purple colour – indicating neutralisation has taken place.

Note if the baking soda it dissolved in water it then becomes an ALKALI.

Beware LOTS of bubbles of carbon dioxide are formed; these bubbles are as a result of the reaction – the bubbles will more than likely cascade over the top of the beakers – carry this experiment out on a tray or over a bucket!

Acidity is measured on a pH scale which runs from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most basic or alkaline).

A substance which is neither acidic nor basic is called ‘neutral’ and has a pH of 7.

An acid solution contains an excess of hydrogen ions (H+) i.e. pH is a measure of how acidic a solution is or how many H+ ions are present.

Alkaline solutions have a pH greater than 7 meaning they have less free H+ ions than that of neutral water.

Citric acid crystals and liquid vinegar are both called acids.

Acids react with a base (solid) and an alkali (liquid) to produce a salt, water and carbon dioxide gas.

Safety: Due to the high likely hood of splashes being made younger scientists should wear safety or swimming googles.

Citric acid, baking soda and soap are the key ingredients found in BATH BOMBS!

The post RED CABBAGE MAGIC 10g appeared first on Science2Life.

Teaching notes for colour changing bubble bath

Contents:

• 200 ml Colour changing bubble bath
• Teaching notes
• 30 ml measuring cup
• 3 ml pipette

Make your bath-time magical with our colour changing bubble bath. Watch the mild & gentle bubble bath change from orange to blue in front of your very eyes!

Comes with FREE teaching notes, measuring cup and a pipette to help with your children’s scientific explorations!

How the bubble bath works

Colour changing bubble bath that can change from orange to green pH balanced formula to gently cleanse and moisturise delicate skin SLES and Paraben free. Fabulous fruity scent in Orange to Blue bubble bath.

This product is:
· Mild & Gentle
· Hypo-Allergenic
· Dermatologically Tested
· Paraben Free

Check out Science2Life’s teaching notes to find out how to make a bubble solution that bounces and a colour changing bath bomb!

A snippet from our teaching notes

Bromocresol green is a dye used as a pH indicator for many biological experiments.

A pH indicator is a chemical compound added in small amounts to a solution so that the pH (acidity or alkalinity) of the solution can be seen. The pH indicator is a chemical detector for hydronium ions (H3O+) or hydrogen ions (H+). The indicators change the colour of the solution depending on the pH. Some indicators only have 2 colour changes; Litmus (a solution of different dyes made from lichen)  is red in acid or blue in alkaline solutions.

Typical indicators are phenolphthalein, methyl orange, methyl red, bromothymol blue, and thymol blue. They each change colour at different points on the pH scale, and can be used together as a universal indicator.

Bromocresol green is yellow in solutions with pH values less than 3.8; green for pH values between 3.8 and 5.4

Bromocresol green colour chart

and blue for solutions with a pH value above 5.4.

Why does the bath water always turn the bubble bath blue?

The pH of pure water is 7, any solution with a pH less than 7 is considered to be acidic, and with a pH above 7 considered alkaline. However, tap water can have a pH value between 6.5 and 8.5. For all liquids which have a pH value greater that 5.4 the bromocresol green indicator in the soap will always turn a blue colour.

The post COLOUR CHANGING BUBBLE BATH – ORANGE TO GREEN appeared first on Science2Life.