Science Smarts: Eggs have to be extra strong so momma goose can keep them warm

By Patty Rooks on March 30, 2024.

I am SOOO egg-cited – the Easter Bunny had better be hopping by my house this year (despite the large snow drifts)! When the Easter Bunny comes, I hope he will not disturb all the Canadian Geese that have nests in my backyard.

I truly enjoy seeing the couples come back year after year. It is especially wonderful to see all those little babies following them around!

Hmm, this makes me wonder how do these eggs not crush under the weight of the geese? These are not small birds. Well, I do not want to disturb the momma goose, so we had better investigate this ourselves. Let’s get started!

*Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.

Materials

• Six eggs

• Scissors

• Masking tape

• Cup

• Sink

• Soap and water

• Four or five heavy books

• Counter top to work on

Procedure

1. Crack each eggs VERY carefully into a cup. Set aside for another use.

2. GENTLY wash the eggshells with warm soapy water. Allow them to dry.

3. Using the scissors, cut the eggshells evenly all the way around.

4. Place a piece of tape on the cup edge of EACH eggshell.

5. Line the eggshells CUT side down on the countertop.

6. Place one heavy book at a time on top of the eggs.

7. Observe.

What is going on?

As mentioned, I had to do this experiment in order to learn just how those eggs do not break and hatch under the large momma goose in my backyard. In this experiment, we were able to see that the eggs easily held up to several LARGE heavy books, which would be similar to a momma goose sitting on her eggs.

The eggs do not break due to their unique shape. The arc like shape of the egg helps support the weight of the momma sitting on them and resulting in those cute little goslings running around in just a matter of weeks!

I hope all of the students have a great spring break! See you when you return.

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 11th Street SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 1T7 Phone: 403-527-5365, email: praxis@praxismh.ca.

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