Home Science: Exploring Acids and Bases with Red Cabbage & Jan AI

Introduction

This fun and interactive home science experiment teaches students about acids and bases using red cabbage as a natural pH indicator. Designed for students aged 8–16, the experiment uses safe, everyday materials found in most kitchens. It is supported by Jan AI, running the Mistral 7B Instruct Q4 model, which helps guide learners through hypotheses, observations, and explanations of the science behind what they see.

Why Jan AI?

Unlike traditional experiments that rely on worksheets or videos, Jan AI provides an interactive experience where students can ask questions, test their predictions, and get instant feedback. It is:

✅ Offline & privacy-first – Ideal for classrooms or home learning
✅ Hands-on + conversational – Supports critical thinking and curiosity
✅ Customisable – Easily adapted for other experiments or age groups

Quick Start Guide: Acids and Bases with Red Cabbage

Materials Needed

½ head of red cabbage
Hot water
Clear glasses or containers
Common household items: vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, dish soap, tap water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Chop the cabbage and place it into a bowl. Carefully pour hot water over it until covered. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
Strain the purple liquid into a container—this is your pH indicator!
Pour the indicator into clear cups, one for each substance you’ll test.
Add a different test substance (e.g. vinegar, baking soda solution, soap, lemon juice) into each cup and observe the color change.

Hypothesis & Observation Prompts

Use Jan AI to guide students through these questions:

🧠 What do you think will happen when we add vinegar to the cabbage water?
👀 What color did it turn? What does that mean about its pH?
🔄 Did anything surprise you?
📊 Which items were acidic? Which were basic?

Science Behind It

Red cabbage contains a pigment called anthocyanin, which changes color depending on the pH level of a solution. Acids (like vinegar or lemon juice) turn it pink or red, while bases (like baking soda or soap) make it turn green or blue. Neutral substances will keep it purple.

Using Jan AI for Learning

Open Jan AI and go to the Assistant Settings panel.

Copy and paste into the available space this assistant prompt:


  You are an AI science mentor for students aged 8–16. Suggest fun, interactive science experiments that require everyday materials. Explain scientific concepts behind each experiment in a way that young learners can understand. Provide safety precautions and encourage students to hypothesize before starting the experiment. Use step-by-step instructions and interactive questions.

Safety Note

👩‍🔬 Always ask an adult for help with boiling water.
🧼 Wash hands after handling test substances.
🥼 Never drink the mixtures or use strong chemicals.

Conclusion

This experiment combines hands-on science with interactive AI guidance to help students understand acidity and basicity in a fun and memorable way. With Jan AI running Mistral 7B, students get a unique learning experience that feels like having a personal science tutor at home!