Did you know that eggs are actually mostly made up of water? In this experiment, play around with various household items to see how they interact with our thick Eggland's Best eggshells! If you’re lucky, the liquid will actually dissolve the shell leaving the egg in its birthday suit!
Caution: It can get a little stinky as the process works.
NOTE: If you don’t want to waste those precious EB’s, just use a left-over shell!
Activity Overview:
This activity to help your children understand how various liquids can impact an EB egg. This activity is a great way to introduce children to the idea that different liquids can have different chemical properties to them, and can impact other items differently.
What’s going on?
Egg shells are made up of mostly calcium carbonate, the liquids that contain acid, react to the calcium carbonate in the shell of the egg, and produce carbon dioxide gas. This is why, when you place them in various liquids you can see that they begin to fizz and bubble a little. Overtime this reaction actually breaks down and dissolves the entire eggshell, leaving a naked egg!
What you Need:
- 6 Eggland’s Best eggs (or just the EB shells!)
- 6 glasses or bowls (large enough to fit the EB egg)
- Plastic wrap (optional but highly recommend due to the possible smell)
- Vinegar
- Orange Juice
Instructions:
- Place each liquid in its own bowl and place an Eggland's Best egg in each bowl.
- If you want to keep the smell to a minimum, cover each bowl with plastic wrap.
- Leave the eggs in the liquid overnight.
- The following day, remove the eggs from the liquid. Let your little ones examine and feel the eggs to see if they can notice any kind of change. You will notice that the shells have begun to dissolve from the eggs that were placed in a solution that contains acidic properties.
*Please note there are no specific risks when doing this activity, but we always recommend you take general care and the activity be done under adult supervision.