Properties of Acids & Bases Activities for Middle School Science

Understanding acids and bases is essential for middle school students, but it can be a challenging concept to grasp! These engaging materials provide everything you need to help students explore the pH scale, identify properties of acids and bases, and understand their role in chemical reactions. With interactive lessons, hands-on activities, and assessments, students will develop a strong foundation in acid-base interactions, neutralization, and real-world applications in science and industry. The resources below will give students a comprehensive understanding of the properties of acids and bases. All of the following materials are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.

The Kesler Science Acids and Bases 5E lesson covers the properties of acids, bases, and the pH scale. It includes editable presentations, worksheets, assessments, and choice projects, all designed for student-led, differentiated learning.

Using the 5E Model, students engage in hands-on demos, reading, research, and videos. They demonstrate understanding through activities like card sorts, writing, and illustrating. Interactive PowerPoints and digital/printable notebooks are available in English and Spanish.

Students apply their learning through choice projects, and the unit includes STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments. It’s flexible for in-class or virtual learning and aligns with the 2021 TEKS standards. Bundles offer savings on multiple topics or the full curriculum.

This Properties of Acids and Bases Station Lab aligns with 2021 TEKS standards, engaging middle school students in comparing acids, bases, and their pH relative to water. This modular, student-led activity promotes independent learning while minimizing teacher prep time. It is also part of the Chemistry Station Lab Bundle, which includes 15 labs.

With nine differentiated stations, students explore concepts through experiments, videos, readings, and research, then demonstrate their understanding through organizing, illustrating, writing, and assessments. A bonus Challenge It! station offers extra activities for advanced learners. The digital version allows interactive learning with PowerPoint and Google Slides.

This ready-to-use resource includes all necessary materials, signage, and task cards for independent or small-group work. Designed for in-class or virtual learning, it ensures an engaging and flexible approach to mastering acids and bases.

Our Properties of Acids & Bases Student Choice Projects align with the 2021 TEKS standards, allowing students to choose from six project options or design their own. A grading rubric supports teacher, peer, or self-assessment, and the resource is also part of the Properties of Acids & Bases Complete Lesson.

Designed for flexibility and differentiation, the project includes a modified version for students needing support, while advanced learners can complete multiple projects. The Chemistry Bundle covers 15 topics, and the MEGA Bundle offers 84 topics for Grades 6-8.

With minimal prep, students can complete projects using basic classroom supplies or digital tools. This editable, ready-to-use resource provides a structured yet adaptable approach to student learning.

This Cabbage Juice pH Lab engages students in hands-on investigations to test acids and bases using a natural pH indicator. With three differentiated lab versions, all students can participate at their own level, from structured guidance to independent inquiry.

The resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, and editable CER conclusion and reflection questions. The Dependent Lab provides guided inquiry, the Modified Lab offers structured support with simplified questions, and the Independent Lab encourages student-driven exploration.

With minimal prep and common household materials, this lab saves teachers valuable time while providing an engaging, inquiry-based experience. It is also available in the Complete Inquiry Labs Bundle and Chemistry Inquiry Labs Bundle for added value.

Year-Round Resources

These year-round activities will increase your students' understanding of many middle school science topics. All of these activities are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.

Visual Data & Graphing

You're not alone if your students struggle with understanding graphs, charts, and tables. It's a skill that takes an enormous amount of practice. This resource will help students build a strong foundation in analyzing data and creating their own data visualizations.

Learn More

Bell Ringers and Warm-Ups

These middle school science bell ringers are an excellent way to engage your students as soon as they walk into your classroom. This comprehensive FULL YEAR resource includes everything you need to start off each science class with an interesting warm-up activity.

Learn More

Review Board Games

Each game board has been carefully designed to keep students engaged. There are 10 different action spaces on each board and dozens of question cards. All of the actions are related to science concepts and keep the students motivated throughout the game.

Each game is ready to play. Simply print out the board and the cards and let the students enjoy reviewing nine different units.

Learn More

Essential Questions and Standards

Below are the essential questions and standards associated with the lessons and activities included in the atoms unit. This topic is only one of more than 100 middle school science topics included in the Kesler Science Membership.

Essential Questions

How are acids and bases similar and different?
What is the pH scale, and what can it tell me about acids and bases related to water?

Standards

TEKS Science - 8.6D Properties of Acids & Bases