I found this super cool experiment that`s really easy that we did for one of our homeschool science lessons. Since Sophia is in first grade we keep things rather simple, yet fun. One of her lessons was just about what a scientist does and such. So she had a chance to observe, guess what would happen, and see the change. So for the experiment we did what is called a "Naked Egg."   Basically a naked egg is an egg that has no shell, but it stays in tact in the original form. It`s just the shell is non-existent. The shell of an egg (typically a chicken egg) is made up of primarily calcium carbonate. If you soak this egg shell in vinegar (which is about 4% acetic acid); you start a chemical reaction that dissolves the calcium carbonate shell. The acetic acid reacts with the calcium carbonate in the egg shell and releases carbon dioxide gas that you see as bubbles on the wall.  The egg insides remains intact and are held together by the two fragile membranes just inside the shell.  

Here`s what you need  

• Vinegar (at least 16 ounces)
• A raw Egg
• A glass jar

  The process is very simple. Carefully place the eff in the jar and fill it with vinegar so the egg is completely covered. Don`t worry if the egg floats a bit. Just get enough vinegar in the jar to cover most of the egg.   Now the hardest part of it all - you have to wait as the acetic in the vinegar begins to react with the calcium in the egg shell. In a short while you should see some bubbles begin to appear on the outside of the egg. These are bubbles of carbon dioxide gas from the reaction. It can take 12-24 hours before a good portion of the shell is removed. A good sign of progress is a white frothy scummy layer on the top of the surface of the vinegar.   After a day of soaking you can carefully remove your egg from the vinegar.

At this point you may be able to literally rub the shell off the egg with your fingers (if any is even left on your egg). It will rub off as a white powdery substance. Give it a try, just be very careful not to break the egg.    That`s how you make a naked egg. DO NOT EAT THE EGG!! Remember, it sat out for hours (or days), uncooked, and soaked in vinegar. Unless you want to get sick I would advise against it.

BONUS: Check out these educational and homeschool freebies I have posted!

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