This science eggs-periment is sure to amaze a crowd with some unexpected chemical reactions. While only using eggs, a glass and household vinegar, this eggshell experiment will get your students science senses tingling!
What you need:
- 1 egg
- 1 glass
- white vinegar (enough to fill the glass)
- 1 spoon
Step 1: Preparations
Start by gently placing the egg into the glass. Then, pour vinegar into the glass, covering the egg completely. Allow the egg to sit in the vinegar-filled glass for at least two days.
After placing the egg in the vinegar, engage your students in conversations related to the scientific method of hypothesis, observations and conclusions. When ready, use the following worksheet to help document the eggshell experiment.
Step 2: Testing
After the waiting period is done, it’s time to test the hypothesis.
Use a spoon to carefully remove the egg from the glass. Then, rinse the egg under water while gently rubbing shell. The shell should come off, leaving only the contents of the egg. If the shell does not come off completely, return the egg into the glass for a few more days until the shell can be easily removed.
Step 3: Conclusions
Now, have a discussion with your class about the conclusions of this eggshell experiment. Some topics can include:
- “How long did the egg stay in the vinegar?”
- “What caused the shell to disappear?”
- “How many days did we think it would take for the shell to come off completely?”
Note:
The structure of the egg’s shell is composed of calcium, which contributes to the hardness of the shell structure. Meanwhile, vinegar is categorized as an acid, strong enough to dissolve the calcium of the eggshell. Overall, the key of this eggshell experiment is that the egg membrane does not react to the acid in the vinegar and therefore keeps the contents of the egg together! Pretty cool, huh! We’re sure your students will think so.
Happy eggs-perimenting!
