What You'll Need
1 raw egg
A glass or jar
White vinegar
Optional: A flashlight or magnifying glass for observations
Steps to Conduct the Experiment
Place the Egg in a Jar:
Gently place the raw egg into the jar or glass, making sure it doesn’t crack.
Pour Vinegar Over the Egg:
Fill the jar with enough vinegar to completely cover the egg.
Observe the Reaction:
Almost immediately, you’ll notice bubbles forming on the surface of the egg. These are carbon dioxide bubbles, indicating a chemical reaction.
Wait and Watch:
Leave the egg in the vinegar for 24 to 48 hours. Over time, the shell will dissolve, leaving a rubbery, translucent membrane.
Rinse the Egg:
Carefully remove the egg from the vinegar and rinse it under water to remove any residue.
Explore the Result:
The egg will now feel bouncy and rubbery. Gently press on it to feel its texture or even bounce it lightly on a table (be careful—it can still break!).
What’s Happening?
The eggshell is made of calcium carbonate.
When the vinegar (an acid) reacts with the eggshell, it produces carbon dioxide gas (bubbles) and dissolves the shell.
The rubbery membrane left behind holds the egg together, giving it a bouncy texture.
Learning Objectives
Chemical Reactions: Understand how acids (vinegar) react with carbonates (eggshell).
Material Properties: Explore how the egg changes from hard to soft and rubbery.
Observation Skills: Encourage kids to note the bubbles, the smell, and the changes over time.
Experiment Extensions
Glow in the Dark: Add a few drops of food coloring or tonic water to the vinegar. After the shell dissolves, use a blacklight to make the egg glow.
Compare Liquids: Try the experiment with other liquids like lemon juice, soda, or water. Observe and compare the results.
Measure the Bounce: Test how high the egg can bounce before breaking, teaching concepts like elasticity and force.
Safety Tips
Handle the egg carefully to avoid messes.
Supervise kids during the experiment to prevent spills or broken eggs.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling the egg.
Why Kids Love It
The Egg in Vinegar experiment is a hands-on activity that combines science and fun. Kids are amazed to see an ordinary egg transform into something squishy and bouncy while learning key scientific concepts.
This experiment is a simple yet exciting way to introduce kids to chemistry and material science. It's perfect for sparking curiosity and encouraging young scientists to explore the world around them!