Eggs are a lot stronger than you think

I can hardly believe that it is Easter break already! I know that many students will be out for an entire week, and we will have to keep them busy, so with that and keeping up with my egg-citing egg experiments, this one is sure to please!

*Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.

Materials

- two cartons of eggs - volunteer - towel - trash bags - scissors - hot soapy water in a container

- large flat surface you can walk on

- science helper

Procedure

1. Cut the trash bags open and cover the area you are going to work on.

2. Make sure you have some hot soapy water nearby in a container so you can disinfect your feet once you are finished the experiment.

3. Check your eggs to make sure there are no cracks on them or any of them have already been broken.

4. Make sure the eggs are all in the cartons the same way. For instance, all pointy side up or down. It is important they are all in there the same direction.

5. Place one dozen eggs on top of the trash bags. Lay one more dozen right beside the first dozen.

6. Remove your socks and get ready to walk across the eggs — if you dare!

7. Have your science helper assist you up on the first dozen eggs. Carefully put your foot on these eggs.

8. Have your helper assist you up on the second set of eggs.

9. Slowly and carefully walk across the eggs.

10. Wash your hands and feet with the warm soapy water once you are finished.

What is going on?

You should be able to walk across the eggs without breaking any — trust me it is possible, no matter who you are. With that being said, it will take a bit of practice though. The key is to positioning yourself correctly on the eggs. There may be some creaking, perhaps groaning sounds, but do not get nervous and move suddenly, this is the worst thing you could do.

Eggs are stronger than you may think. The secret in this experiment is that eggs are amazing! An egg has a unique shape which gives it tremendous strength. I know they do not seem that strong when you come home from the grocery store and you have scrambled eggs before even opening up the carton, but they are incredibly strong. Eggs have a unique shape. Hold one up and examine it. It is not round like many of us think. An egg is actually curved. The curved shape of the egg helps to distribute the pressure evenly all over the shell rather than having it stressed at one point. This is only if you are exerting the pressure evenly. When you walk across the eggs, it is important that your weight is distributed evenly as you walk, and if you do the eggs will remain intact! If you waver or put more weight on one side than the other as you walk, you will easily observe that the eggs break rather easily.

Do not forget about our STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) contest if you are looking at doing something over the Easter break. There are many prizes to be won for all ages. Visit the Praxis website for more details.

Patty Rooks is senior scientific consultant at PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community.” Contact Praxis at praxis@praxismh.ca, www.praxismh.ca, Tweet or follow us @PraxisMedHat, or friend us on Facebook.