This post contains affiliate links. I was compensated for my work in writing this post.
Today we will be doing an experiment where we are dissolving calcium with acid. We are using Christian Kids Explore Chemistry by Bright Ideas Press to study elementary-level chemistry. This is one of the fun hands-on activities in the book.
You will need a raw egg, vinegar, and a mason jar. Place the raw egg into the mason jar. Now pour vinegar over the egg until it is completely covered. You might want to put a little extra vinegar over it because the vinegar will evaporate somewhat. Now leave the jar alone for 24 hours.
If you look at the egg as it sits in the water, you will notice small bubbles surrounding the egg. This is the acid from the vinegar eating away at the calcium carbonate that makes up the shell of the egg.
After 24 hours, grab the egg gently in your hand. How does it feel? My daughter says it felt soft and squishy. The shell had been eaten away completely by the acid in the vinegar!
You will want to watch the video to see whether the egg in this condition will bounce or splat!
Tags: Bright Ideas Press, chemistry, Christian Kids Explore Chemistry, hands-on science, homeschooing, science
Bookmarking this for next summer when we do our second DIY summer camp at home!
Summer camp at home sounds fun!
Oh my guys will love this. I’ve never done this experiment before so I’ll let you know how it goes! Thanks!
My kids were excited to see if the egg would bounce or splat. It was super fun!
LOVE this!! what a fun activity. It can be really hard to come up with things to do w/ your kids without paying a boatload of money so I love that you can find all of these materials in your house. Thanks for the idea! <3
I love activities that don’t require a lot of money!
I am really enjoying the experiments. I like that I can walk into my kitchen and do this–today! Do keep them coming. Sharing!
These experiments are quite simple to do. 🙂
I’m always in awe of homeschooling parents. Where do you get your inspirations for lessons?
The book I’m using for these chemistry experiments is Christian Kids Explore Chemistry.