March 18, 2023
Egg-citing Science From Elementary Fair
The latest Praxis ‘Science Smarts’ column in the Medicine Hat News. The article may also be found in the Medicine Hat News (paper) or digital copy at https://medicinehatnews.com/life/local-life/2023/03/18/science-smarts-egg-citing-science-from-elementary-fair/ or via PressReader at https://www.pressreader.com/article/281711208885793.
I have been to some pretty amazing Science Fairs this past week. What amazing students we have here in southeastern Alberta!
Many of the projects I have judged have been elementary, so I cannot wait to see what students do for their junior and senior high projects — it would absolutely blow you away how amazing they are!
I do not like to pick favorites, but this was an interesting project this week. Let’s get started!
*Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.
Materials
- Eggs
- Vinegar
- Jar (one for each egg that you want to use)
- Paper towels
- Table to work on
- Goggles
- Science notebook
- Pencil
Procedure
- Put safety goggles on.
- Take one egg and carefully look it over, observing for any cracks — you do not want any in the shell as the experiment will not work then.
- Place the egg into a jar. Have an adult help you pour the vinegar into the jar. You just want enough to cover the egg.
- Place the egg on the table (or counter).
- Make observations every day at the very least.
- Write your observations down in your science notebook.
- Sit on a counter and watch what is happening
- After three days make your observations.
- Carefully remove the egg from the vinegar. Wash it off and gently dry with a paper towel.
- If the shell isn’t completely removed return the egg to the vinegar and wait one more day.
- Each day, repeat step #9 until the shell is completely removed from the egg.
- Once the shell is all washed off you have your very own home-made bouncing egg!
- You can now carefully drop the egg from a short height.
- Make observations.
- What happens?
- Make sure you thoroughly wash your hands and the area you were working in after making your observations (or the egg breaks!).
What is going on?
Did you know that vinegar contains acetic acid? In this experiment, the acetic acid in the vinegar reacts with the shell of the egg which is made of calcium carbonate. You should have been able to observe this when you first pour the vinegar over the egg. There are a LOT of bubbles that form as the chemical reaction is taking place! This reaction erodes the shell leaving us with just the thick membrane surrounding the egg left to protect it. This membrane allows us to bounce the egg without breaking it.
Do not forget to register for the Regional Science Fair on April 1 — it is open to ALL students in southeastern Alberta. As well, we are still in need of some science fair judges so if you would like to lend a helping hand, send me a message!
The Southeast Alberta Kiwanis Science Fair is open for registration!
Do NOT miss out this year — We are looking forward to seeing all young scientists there! Visit https://www.online-registration-system.com/ab/seab/?fbclid=IwAR1sFF3splhU2tfCSF5QyqkfUxAfCgVtuvKENqsEA0mTvGV1kLs0Z4Ptpb4 for student, volunteer and judging registration.
More information may also be found at https://praxisscienceconnection.wordpress.com/2023/02/07/2023-southeast-alberta-kiwanis-regional-science-fair/.
Also, Praxis Science Outreach still continues to do science outreach in southeastern Alberta but because of financial constraints, we are making some program changes. See https://praxisscienceconnection.wordpress.com/2023/02/09/praxis-science-outreach-society-program-changes/ for the details regarding our programs.
Patty Rooks, Senior Scientific Consultant – PRAXIS: Connecting Science and The Community of SE Alberta
Webpage: https://www.praxismedhat.com/
We also have another blog for events, activities and services that we offer at https://praxisscienceconnection.wordpress.com/ – we are involved in many community activities in SE Alberta.
If you wish to support us (Praxis Science Outreach is a registered charity) please consider doing so at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/praxis-society-southeastern-alberta-sciencing-and-teching-center/?mprompt=1.
We are located at #12 826 11 Street S. E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1T7
Phone: 403.527.5365 or email: praxis@praxismh.ca
Praxis Science Outreach Science Smarts Column 
Reblogged this on lochsloidh and commented:
The latest Praxis “Science” Smarts Column in the Medicine Hat News!
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