Science Fun: Rubber Eggs

Here’s a science project to do with the kids from the steamsational web site.

The vinegar eats through the calcium shell, but cannot dissolve the egg’s membrane, which is how the eggs retain their rubbery appearance after the experiment is complete.

The egg membrane is semi-permeable, which simply means that the liquid vinegar will pass through the membrane into the egg. When the vinegar is dyed, the dye and the vinegar seep into the egg white, creating fun rainbow colors! The brighter the dye that you use, the brighter your egg will be.

Do not actually bounce the rubbery-like eggs or they may explode!

You Will Need:

6 Mason Jars
Vinegar
Food Coloring

What to Do:

1. Fill each container about 1/2 full of vinegar. Add about 10 drops of food coloring to each jar.

2. Carefully place a raw egg inside each jar. Let the eggs sit for about 48-72 hours in the vinegar.

3. Try putting other eggs in different liquids to see if they produce a different or similar reaction.

4. Over time, the vinegar will break down the calcium on the egg’s shell, leaving the egg completely whole, but soft.

5. When the surface of the water has a weird scummy film, the eggs are ready to come out.

6. Remove the eggs from the jars (carefully) and rinse them in water.

7. Gently roll the eggs. Do not press the eggs hard or try to bounce the eggs or they may explode.

You can purchase the supplies for this project by tapping the links above or by visiting my Amazon storefront by clicking here.