Egg Science: Dissolution and Osmosis
Categories:
Animals
,
Science
This is a two-part lesson that can be done over a week. It begins by using vinegar to dissolve an egg’s shell (dissolution) without breaking the membrane that contains the egg. The shell-less eggs are used in the second part of the experiment to study osmosis, the movement of water across a membrane
INSTRUCTIONS
- Place the eggs in the container so they are not touching.
- Add enough vinegar to cover the eggs. Notice bubbles form on the eggs. Cover the container, refrigerate, and let the eggs sit in the vinegar for 24 hours
- Use a large spoon to carefully scoop the eggs out of the vinegar. The egg membrane may be the only thing holding the egg together and it is not as durable as the shell.
- Pour out the vinegar. Put the eggs back in the container and cover them with fresh vinegar, cover container. Leave the eggs in the refrigerator for another 24 hours.
- Scoop the eggs out again and rinse them carefully. If any of the membranes have broken, throw those eggs away.
- When done, you will have an egg without a shell. It looks like an egg, but it’s translucent—the membrane flexes when gently squeezed.
For full instructions, please download our PDF
