Experiment: How acidic is rain in your area?

a)  Collect water samples from around your home and school. You may collect water from all types of sources, like rain, lakes, puddles, snow, icicles, tap water, etc. Make sure you store your samples in clean glass jars (well rinsed, without any soap residue).

b)  Label each jar with:

• the date the sample was collected
• the source (such as, river, rain, puddle, snow)
• where and how it was collected
• the time of day it was collected

c)  Check the pH level of each water sample. Be sure to check your samples as quickly as possible after you have collected them.

d)  Record the pH levels in a chart that looks something like this:

e)  Map your results: Draw a map of your area and record the pH level results on the map. Be sure to write the dates beside the levels so you can compare your results later on.

f)  Optional next step: In the next Season, repeat the experiment by collecting water samples from roughly the same locations and recording your results on a chart like the first one. What changes in the pH occurred, if any?

Were you surprised by the results of your experiment? Were the water samples more acidic than you thought they would be or less? Did certain areas have higher levels of acidity than others or were the results all roughly the same? If there were variations, what do you think may have caused the differences?

What conclusions did you come to?

If you would like to find out more about the results of your experiment, you may send an e-mail to an Environment Canada scientist and ask your questions. Don't be shy, we'd love to hear from you!

Experiment: Neutralizing an acid

This experiment will show you how adding sufficient amounts of a chemical can neutralize an acid. Acidified lakes are neutralized through the process of "liming." Lime, an alkaline substance, is added to some acidified lakes to restore the lakewater to its regular pH.

Steps:

• Start by making a solution of equal volumes of vinegar and water.
• Record the pH of this solution.
• Add baking soda to the solution until all fizzing stops.
• Record the pH of the solution and compare with the previous pH.

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