Eggshells

Gaines, Patricia A. O. W. Holmes School
471-4625


Objectives: I. Students will understand that eggshells are porous by: A. Examining various dyed eggshells B. Telling their similarities and differences C. Examining shells from boiled and raw dyed eggs D. Explaining why color may be on the inside or outside II. Students will understand the value of porosity of eggshells by: A. Discussing prior knowledge of "coverings" on various objects, animals, and people B. Explaining the need for "covers" on objects, animals, and people C. Discussing the necessity of holes in eggshells Apparatus Needed: Several empty dyed eggshells (on outside only) Several empty dyed eggshells (on inside only) Boiled dyed and undyed eggs - 1 per child Raw dyed eggs - 1 per child Food coloring (red, yellow, green, blue) Vinegar Large beaker, water Hotplate 5 small beakers Copper wire - cut into 6 inch strips Paper plates (For Science Table Display On "Coverings") Vegetables - carrot, radish, potato Fruits - peach, grapes, banana Canned goods, packaged goods Glass and plastic bottled liquids Animals - furry, plastic, vinyl Seashells, starfish Recommended Strategy: 1. Have students view objects on science table. Discuss the types of "covers" on the objects and their usefulness. Relate and compare to the covering on an egg. 2. View and discuss a variety of colored empty eggshells (some dyed on the inside only, others only on the outside). 3. Carefully peel dyed eggshells from a boiled and then a raw egg!!! Examine, compare, and contrast the two shells. 4. Explain why some shells seem to have allowed more dye to seep through (size of dye molecule, size of "holes" in eggshells). 5. Explain need for holes in eggshells (to allow embryo to breathe). 6. Have students explain and demonstrate techniques in dying eggs and eggshells. (OPTIONAL)
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