Acid rain is created when the rain water becomes too acidic. This can be caused by the burning of fossil fuelsnon-renewable resources, such as oil and gas, that are burned for energy. When they are... More, which contain sulfur. When the sulfur is released into the air as sulfur dioxide, it can mix with the water in clouds and form an acid. For our experiment, we will simulate this with vinegar, a different acid. By spraying one plant with acid rain water (vinegar) and one plant with healthy rainwater (water) you will see why acid rain is so bad for our planet.
What do you expect to happen? Do you think the two plants will look different? What do you think the acid rain will do to the plant? Write down predictions before you start the experiment.
- Level: Difficult
- Theme: Outdoor air quality
- Entry evidence: To get credit for this activity, take a picture of your plants and your log of observations and have a grown-up submit the challenge form. Complete 3 challenges and we will plant a tree.
Materials needed:
- Two small plants
- Two small plastic spray bottles of the same size
- One marker and some tape to label them with
- Vinegar or lemon juice to make the acid rain
- Water
METHOD:
Step one
First you need to make your acid rain. Using the tape and marker, label one of the spray bottles “acid rain.” The ratio of the acid rain mixture will be 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water. To make this, use a measuring cup to pour 100 ml of vinegar and 400 ml of water into a spray bottleLabel the other bottle “clean rainwater” and fill it with tap water.
Step two:
Label one plant “clean rainwater” and the other plant “acid rain.” Set the plants next to each other near the window, so they get the same amount of sunlight.
Step three:
Every 2-3 days, water the plant with its corresponding solution e.g. spray the acid rain solution on the plant labeled “acid rain” and the “clean rain”water on the other plant. Make sure to give both plants the same amount of liquid.
*Note: the amount of water needed will depend on the type and size of your plants. The important thing is that both plants get the same amount of liquid.
Step four:
Watch what happens to the plants over the next 2 weeks. Do you see any differences between the 2 plants? Keep a log and note changes.
Step five:
Write down what you see and when you see it.
