Can Acids And Bases Remedy The Body?

Bev Tatum                  Beethoven Elementary
                           25 West 47t St.#432
                           Chicago IL 60609
                           (312) 535-1480

Objective:
      
 This lesson can be adapted for grades (2-7) and can be extended over three (3) 
or four (4) class periods.  Students will be able to:

     1.  Determine how an understanding of acids and bases relates to their 
         personal bodies.
     2.  Determine the effectiveness of various antacids or home remedies on an
         acidic stomach.
     3.  Determine why some analgesics cause additional stomach upset and are 
         not recommended when only pain persists.
     4.  Evaluate the cost effectiveness of one form (or brand) of
         antacid/analgesic over another.

Materials needed:
    
     Students will work in groups of four (4) or five (5).

      vinegar                     Pepto Bismo (tabs)        Bayer (Pain)
      pH indicator paper          Maalox      (tabs)        Riopan (liquid)
      paper towels                Alka Seltzer              Maalox (liquid)
      water                       Tums        (tabs)        Pepto Bismo (liquid)
      eye dropper                 Generic     (tabs)        Generic (liquid)
      plastic chem trays          Rolaids     (tabs)        5 oz. cups
      toothpicks                  Bayer Aspirin             pH indicator scale/
      spoons                      Generic Aspirin            per group
      lemon juice                 flour                     milk     
      ginger ale                  baking soda
               
Strategy:

      A human stomach can become too acidic or too basic and will result in
      becoming upset.  Since the stomach level is normal at a pH of 7 (similar
      to water pH), make an "upset stomach" with a mixture of 1 part vinegar to 
      8 parts water.  8 oz. of any mixture mentioned is enough for 4 groups. Cut
      indicator paper into 1/4" to 1/2" pieces instead of using the whole 2" 
      pieces provided in the kit.
 
      Activity 1: Tests the effects of each antacid tablet/water mixture upon 
      the "upset stomach.  Use 2 tab. per 8 oz. of water for 6 different tests.
      First, place 10 drops of "upset stomach" in the well on the chem tray and
      then add 5 drops of a mixture (i.e.TUMS).  The students should test and 
      record the pH level of the TUMS before adding it to the "upset stomach".

      Activity 2:  Students will test liquid antacids upon the upset stomach.  

      Activity 3:  Students will test the effects of analgesics upon a "normal"
      stomach.  Remember just use plain water here as the stomach (pH 7).

      Activity 4:  Students will test unlabeled home remedy mixtures 
      i.e. flour/water, lemon/water, milk, baking soda/water, and ginger ale.  
      After each group of tests, discuss with students their results.

      Activity 5:  Provide the children with the costs of a dosage of each 
      tests (TUMS-$.37/tab) and let them evaluate the cost effectiveness. 

      SAFETY TIP: REMEMBER TO TELL STUDENTS IF AN UPSET STOMACH IS REALLY
      PAINFUL A DOCTOR IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  
    
      Note: Teacher will need to create his/her own data sheet for recording 
      information.