Natural AntacidsA Chemical Engineering Design Unit

Curt BlimlineScience Department Williamsburg High School, Williamsburg, OH

Design a safe and effective antacid from a natural organic food that will neutralize the same amount of acid as an over the counter commercial antacid.

The Challenge The human stomach makes hydrochloric acid to digest food. However, too much stomach acid causes health problems such as heartburn and acid reflux. Many over the counter and prescription antacids have been developed to treat this problem. Most of these products use inorganic chemical compounds to neutralize stomach acid. With an increasingly health conscious population, treatment of this problem through natural organic substances is gaining more attention. What natural organic foods are effective at neutralizing stomach acid and could be potential remedies for excess stomach acid?

The ProblemAcademic Standards

1. Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations;

2. Design and conduct scientific investigations;3. Use technology and mathematics to improve

investigations and communications;4. Formulate and revise explanations and

models using logic and evidence (critical thinking);

5. Recognize and analyze explanations and models; and

6. Communicate and support a scientific argument.

7. Chemical reactionsa.Types of reactionsb.Energyc.Equilibriumd.Acids/bases

1. Does the substance or substances have an appealing taste?

2. How readily available is the substance or substances?

3. How effective is the substance at neutralizing acid?

4. Are there any side effects or allergies associated with the substance(s)?

5. What are the health advantages and disadvantages of the substance(s)?

6. Will the substance be able to replace an over the counter antacid?

7. Does the substance require any special preparation or storage?

8. What is the substance’s shelf life? 9. How do you know the substance is still safe to

use?

Guiding QuestionsPowerPoint Presentaion that includes:

1. your web research,2. the three substances that you identified to

investigate, 3. the lab design and processes used,4. the lab results including data tables, data

analysis, and graphs,5. the natural antacid that your team chose as

best, 6. the amounts needed to neutralize the

equivalent of the extra strength Tums tablet,7. any health concerns about the use of your

antacid.

The Product

Unit Activities

Activity 1 Acids vs. Bases – exploring the properties of acids and bases

Activity 2 Acid Base Titration – investigating acid base neutralization and titration

Activity 3 Commercial Antacid Investigation – investigating over the counter antacids for their acid neutralization capacity

Activity 4 Natural Antacid Design Project – design project

Contact Information:Curt Blimline blimline_c@burgschools.org 513.724.2211