Try it! What is a chemical reaction?

Download & print the full experiment here! 

Here is a fun experiment in chemistry that the kids never tire of!  Today, we are looking the chemical reaction: Dissolving. 

This experiment shows the power of Acetic Acid (commonly known as white vinegar). All you need to conduct this experiment is an egg, some vinegar, and a cup. 

In 4 easy steps:

1. Gently put the egg in the bottom of the cup.
2. Fill the cup with vinegar.  The egg should be completely submerged.
3. Leave the egg to soak for a whole day.
4. Pour out the vinegar and examine your egg.

Here's what happened?

The short explanation is that the vinegar and the egg shell reacted!  The calcium carbonate from the egg shell was broken down into water and carbon dioxide - that's what the bubbles are!  All that's left now is the thin membrane inside the shell holding the egg together. 

Be careful or it might pop and make a big mess!

The long explanation is that two chemical reactions happened!  First, calcium carbonate from the egg's shell reacted with the acetic acid.  The molecules rearranged themselves and made carbonic acid and calcium acetate. Next, the carbonic acid broke down further into water and carbon dioxide bubbles.

And there you have it, a naked egg that's completely shell free! 

Is your child ready for some independent learning?  

Download & print the full experiment here!