Eggs are an egg-cellent tool for learning about a variety of science concepts, so let's get cracking! Choose one or more of the egg-speriments below to start learning.
#1. Shape-Shifting Eggs
You have probably been told once or twice that you shouldn't play with your food, right? Well, I'm here to tell you that sometimes playing with your food is not only fun, it's educational. Use the links and video below to make your own shape-shifting eggs. Square and heart-shaped eggs are provided as examples, but you can make them into whatever shape you want! In fact, there are even Japanese Egg Molds that people can buy to manipulate the shape of eggs. When you are finished, make sure you can answer the following questions. Hint: You will want to read the background information in the Molding Hard-Boiled Eggs link to help you answer the questions.
1. What is an egg white made of?
2. What is happening inside the egg while it is boiling? What about when it's cooling down?
3. Why is it important that egg stays warm during the experiment?
#2. Naked Eggs
The anatomy of eggs is probably more complex than you know. To help you see some of this complexity, you can perform a simple chemical experiment that will dissolve the shell, leaving you with a naked egg. When you are finished, make sure you can answer the following questions.
1. What is an egg shell made of? What is the acid in vinegar called?
2. Why do you see bubbles on the egg after adding it to vinegar? What chemical reaction is happening?
3. What parts of the egg can you see once the shell is gone?
Bonus: Experimenting with your naked egg
a. Try putting your naked egg(s) into another liquid such as water, salt water, soda, or corn syrup. What happens to the egg? Why?
b. How far can you drop your egg before it breaks? Start at 1 inch and move up in height. Record your data as you increase the height.
#3. Egg Geodes
Egg shells are great for making your own decorative crystals. Use the resources below to see experimental procedures for making your own egg geodes, as well as an explanation of what is happening. When you are finished, make sure you can answer the following questions. Hint: The "Alternate Crystal Experiment..." has a video at the end that explains the process of crystal formation. The explanation starts at about 3:08.
1. What happened to your eggshell?
2. Why was it important to dissolve the alum (or borax) in hot water instead of cold water?
3. Explain what sedimentation and crystallization are, and how they relate to this experiment.
#4. Fried Green Eggs...and cabbage
How could you make fried green eggs without using food dye? Complete this tasty experiment to find out! When you are finished, make sure you can answer the following questions. Note: You will need red cabbage to help you complete this experiment.
1. Why chemical is found in the red cabbage that makes this experiment work?
2. Are egg whites acidic or basic? How do you know?
3. Why does the egg change color? Be specific!
Bonus
These resources are just for fun!