Last week, the grade 2 class at our school conducted an amazing hands-on experiment with eggs. This “eggsperiment” covered a range of science topics, including chemical reactions, properties of materials, and the difference between characteristics and properties.
The students started by examining the eggs and discussing their properties. They noted that the eggs were oval in shape, had a hard shell, and were white or brown in colour. They also talked about the characteristics of eggs, such as being a source of protein and a common ingredient in cooking.
Next, the students were given a variety of materials, including metal spoons, wooden sticks, plastic straws, and paper clips. They were asked to predict which materials would crack or break the eggs, and which would not. They based their predictions on their understanding of the properties of different materials, such as strength, hardness, and flexibility.
Then came the exciting part – the chemical reactions! The students were instructed to place the eggs in a container of vinegar and observe what happened. They immediately noticed that the vinegar started to bubble and fizz, which they learned was a sign of a chemical reaction taking place. Over the next few days, they checked on the eggs and observed how the vinegar was dissolving the hard outer shell of the eggs.
Finally, the students were asked to compare and contrast the properties and characteristics of the eggs before and after the chemical reaction. They noticed that the eggs were now softer, more flexible, and had a different texture than before. They also discussed the fact that the characteristics of the eggs – such as being a source of protein – remained the same even though some of their properties had changed.
Through this “eggsperiment,” the grade 2 class gained a deeper understanding of science concepts such as chemical reactions, properties of materials, and the difference between characteristics and properties. They also had a lot of fun cracking eggs and making predictions, all while learning important scientific principles. Who knew eggs could be so educational?
