Chemistry gives you another great colour change. The bright yellow spice turmeric changes from yellow to brick red.
Ingredients and equipment that you will need
Powdered turmeric (from supermarket or grocer)
Milk
Soda crystals (from supermarkets)
Vinegar (white vinegar works best)
Method and further information
Mix a teaspoonful of turmeric with some milk or surgical spirit. (Be careful it stains).
Dissolve a spoonful of soda crystals in water and add it to the milk. It will go brick red.
Now add some vinegar and it goes back to yellow again.
Many plants like turmeric are sensitive to acids (anything that tastes sour) and alkalis (things that you clean with). This is one reason why acid rain is a problem.
Be careful – you should ask an adult to help you with these experiments. Do your experiments in old yoghurt pots, jam jars or bottle tops. Don’t use cups or glasses in case someone thinks it’s a drink.