Acid Raindrops Keep Fallin' in My Lake

In this Activity, students simulate acid rain falling on lakes by adding vinegar to bowls of water. Several of the bowls contain solids such as crushed, low-dust chalk, sand, and lime. Students determine whether the solids affect the acidity of each solution over two days by periodically removing samples of each solution for testing with red cabbage indicator. This Activity is an easy simulation that could be performed at home in conjunction with a classroom discussion on acid rain. It includes the ideas of acidity, indicators, and neutralization reactions. Students could research the acidity of local rain and its effects on nearby lakes and water supplies.