Hooked on science: Naked egg

What happens when you remove the shell from around an egg? The contents inside ooze out all over the place, right? Actually, no. Here's an experiment that will amaze your entire family.

Ingredients

• 2 uncooked eggs
• 2 cups of vinegar
• 1 tall drinking glass

Instructions

STEP 1: Place the eggs in the tall drinking glass.

STEP 2: Pour the vinegar over the eggs and let sit for 24 hours.

STEP 3: 24 hours later rinse each egg under the facet. Using your fingers rub each egg until the shell is completely removed from the egg.

STEP 4: Hold your naked egg up to a light and take a peek inside.

Explanation

The vinegar is an acid that breaks down the calcium carbonate in the eggshell. This chemical reaction reveals the invisible membrane hiding under the shell that keeps the contents from oozing outside the egg.

Jason Lindsey is a Science Outreach Educator for the Bootheel Youth Museum. Check out his science blog "Hooked On Science" at jasonthescienceguysblog.blogspot.com for webcasts and experiments that might get you hooked on science. Send him you science questions at jlindsey@bootheelyouthmuseum.org. More science experiments can be found at www.semissourian.com.