Science Smarts: Sugary snacks

By PATTY ROOKS on May 14, 2022.

I have been working with a school on doing a late science fair this year and I was thinking of ideas to share with students. This experiment came to mind – I am sure all of the dentists out there will appreciate it! Let’s get started!

Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.

Materials

• Eggshell

• Cola beverage (or any pop of your choice)

• Clear glass or jar

• Plastic wrap

• Tweezers

Procedure

• Place the eggshell (without the egg) in the glass.

• Cover the eggshell with cola.

• Cover the glass with plastic wrap so the pop will not evaporate too quickly.

• Every couple of days, take the eggshell out and look at it. You may want to pick the eggshell up with tweezers very carefully.

What is going on?

The acidic nature of the pop is similar to the acid that forms in your mouth. The eggshell is a simulation of your teeth as they are somewhat similar in their makeup.

The eggshell should have began to disintegrate due to the acid in the pop. This is similar to how a cavity forms in your mouth. If you do not brush your teeth, bacteria forms in your mouth. Bacteria then feeds on the tiny particles of food that are left in your mouth after you eat. Then they turn these small food particles into acid. This acid is strong enough that it eventually will eat away at the enamel on your teeth. In the end what happens is you will have one of those painful cavities.

Keep an eye on our social media as we have officially kicked off our 30th anniversary celebrations. We hope you will join us on June 18 for our official celebration at the Carriage House.

Patty Rooks, Senior Scientific Consultant PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community”. Contact Praxis at praxis@praxismh.ca, http://www.praxismh.ca, Tweet or follow us @PraxisMedHat, or friend us on Facebook. Address: #12 826 11 Street S. E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1T7 Phone: 403.527.5365, email: praxis@praxismh.ca.

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