Enhance the classroom with EcoSense integration Fourth grade Tecumseh elementary student, T.J. Higgins, knew he wanted to study pH on his upcoming science fair project but didn't want to use some of the typical science fair methods of developing a pH system using cabbage. He decided to become a junior scientist by using the YSI pH10 pH and temperature pen style instrument. His project consisted of determining the pH of common household items. He acquired the instrument and some buffer solution then set out to measure the pH values of milk, pickle juice, salsa, orange juice, pineapple juice, Pine-Sol, bleach, and tap water. He calibrated the instrument, measured the solutions while rinsing the electrode between readings, and even conducted a post-check. His post-checks on two different occasions came within 0.12 pH units one time and were 0.01 pH units the next time. He used the readings from the second round and determined he didn't rinse the electrode well the first round. He then plotted all the values on the pH scale and researched the difference between acids and bases. He reported the findings to his class and explained his project during the science fair to interested parents. T.J. says, "I learned things like 'power of hydrogen', hydroxide ions, and buffer solutions. I also really liked using the instrument, it was cool." The A+ on the project was pretty cool too.
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