Science Smarts: Need something to do while you’re stuck inside?

By Patty Rooks on January 13, 2024.

I do not know about you, but I will likely be hiding out inside this weekend. Winter has finally arrived!

Usually we get a slow start on these freezing temperatures, not the sudden deepfreeze that we are experiencing. But that gives you a perfect opportunity to get started on your science fair project.

Before you know it, the Regional Science Fair will be here. Registration will be opening up soon as the virtual fair will take place March 9-16 and the in-person science fair will be March 23 in Medicine Hat.

Hopefully the activity this week will inspire some of our younger students to investigate further. Let’s get started!

*Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.

Materials

– Eggshell

– Coca Cola®

– Clear glass or jar

– Plastic wrap

– Tweezers

Procedure

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

2. Cover the eggshell with Coca Cola®.

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

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

5. If you want to make this into a science fair project, increase your variables, or the varieties of pop. Then record your results to see which pop dissolves your “teeth” faster.

6. There are many more ideas, this is just one. Use your imagination and start experimenting!

What is going on?

The acidic nature of the Coca Cola® 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 Coca Cola®. 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.

We have a few spaces for our Operation Minerva Conference on January 30. This is open to ALL Grade 9 girls who are interested in STEM. It is a day of STEM with mentoring and hands-on workshops. Send me an email and I will get you an application – NOTE: space is limited!

Patty Rooks, senior scientific consultant PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community.” Contact Praxis at praxis@praxismh.ca, praxismh.ca, Tweet or follow us @PraxisMedHat, or friend us on Facebook. Address: #12 826 11th St. SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 1T7 Phone: 403-527-5365, email: praxis@praxismh.ca.

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