Bendy Bones

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In this activity (on pages 19-24 of PDF), learners soak chicken bones or eggshells in vinegar for several days. Learners observe what happens to the material as the acid dissolves the calcium that provides the strength to the material. The lesson includes information about calcium, calcium-rich foods that keep bones strong, and an explanation of how the acidic vinegar solution causes the bone or eggshell to become weak.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 4 weeks
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Dish washing detergent and water
  • Plain vinegar (enough to cover half an egg shell or bone in a jar)
  • Small jars with lids (large enough to fit a bone or egg shells)
  • Paper towels
  • Option A: Chicken bones
  • Option B: Brief access to a microwave, eggshells

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Human Body
      • Skeleton
      • Health and Nutrition
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Reactions
      • Acids and Bases
      • Chemistry of Life

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

Funding Source:

  • Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Oregon