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In this article we will look at some interesting experiments and science fair projects you can easily do with eggs from the refrigerator. You will discover that the common egg has some amazing properties you might not be aware of.
There are a number of egg science projects you can do but I will mention just a few here to spark your interest. I'm sure you will be able to think of many more by using a little imagination.
The Egg Drop Science Experiment
For this experiment you will come up with a way to cushion an egg in a small container so it doesn't break when dropped from a certain height. You can use something like a small coffee can that leaves enough room for your packaging around the egg to protect it from the fall.
You will need to do a little research to determine what might be suitable materials to keep the egg from breaking. Lots of room to experiment here for sure with different materials and arrangements of the egg in the container.
Do all your drop tests from a set height such as six to eight feet. Also drop the container on the same surface each time to keep your results consistent. As always with any science project, keep records of what you did and the results of each drop test.
The Crushing Strength Egg Science Project
One very interesting feature of eggs is their strength. That strength though is very dependent on the orientation of the egg to the force or weight that is applied to it.
So for this experiment you will determine if eggs are stronger lying flat or standing upright. You may also get an idea of how much stronger they are in one postion than the other. I think you will find this very surprising just how much a difference the position of the egg makes.
What you will need for this egg science project:
1. An empty egg carton
2. Some books
3. A couple of small trash bags
4. Some tape
5. A scale to weigh the books(optional)
Remove the top from the carton and place four eggs toward the center and in a rectangular arrangement. Leave a space between them on each row. Place a plastic bag on the table under the carton. Place the other bag over the eggs.
Now start placing books on the eggs one at a time. Make sure they are even and don't tip over. See how many you can place before an egg breaks. Weigh all the books used if you have a scale. You now have an idea of their strength end-to-end.
Test their strength lying flat:
Place a bag on the table and make four loops of tape with the sticky side out. Place the tape on the bag in about the same arrangement as the eggs were in the carton. This is to keep the eggs from rolling around.
Place another bag over the eggs and then start placing books. How many books did it take before an egg broke? Weigh the books if you have a scale. You now know whether eggs are stronger upright or lying flat. And you have an idea how much stronger they are in that one position than the other.
I hope you enjoyed these experiments and use your imagination to develop even more interesting egg science projects you can do at home.
Doug Nicholson is a nuclear engineering technician, science hobbyist, and amateur inventor. Visit his site http://www.science-projects-resources.com for lots more Science Fair Projects Ideas and Articles. |
