Busting Myths Wednesday

      Here we are, at day three of the fabulous Geek Week.  I really enjoyed the time and thought I put into this, because, at my house, we are total dorks and love experiments.

      With this being said, today is Busting Myths Wednesday!

      Mythbusters is a television show where they use the scientific method to see if they can bust a myth.  An example of that would be: If a woman wears high heels, does it affect her driving?  (It's not a make up example either.  This was on an episode.)

      

      So, my brother, two sisters and I decided to do a little myth busting ourselves.  It may not be as glorified and explosive as the television show, but we had a good time. 

      If you want to try these at home, these are kid friendly, fun experiments that do not take much time if done properly.  Most times I ask what they think will happen, and at the end, ask what really happened.  This is teaching them skills that they will later learn in science classes (scientific method.)

      Experiment #1: Does vinegar dissolve the shell off of an egg?  

      For this experiment you will need:

      -An egg straight from the carton (each child could get one, or you could only use one.  We only used one, since we had three children participating.)

      -A measuring bowl

      -Vinegar

      First, set your egg in the measuring bowl.  Once that is completed, pour vinegar in the measuring bowl until the egg is completely submerged.  Leave the egg(s) in the measuring bowl for 24 hours (one whole day), then the make your observations.  Do NOT take the egg out yet.  Leave it in for another 24 hours, and then, when the next day is over, make your final observations.    

      Observation? It does dissolve the shell off an egg!

       The final product should look like this:

      Note: I would use gloves when performing this experiment, because it can make your hands smell very bad. 

      Suggestion: Try bouncing the "naked" egg like a bouncy ball (lightly.  Please do not throw the egg, for it will pop.)  Also, take a tooth pick and watch it explode!

      Experiment #2: Which could give the copper penny a bluish tint the best: vinegar, soda, or lemon juice?
      This will require an adult, since you will have to cut a lemon in half.
      You will need:
      -lemon juice
      -vinegar
      -soda of your choice (I used Cherry Limeade.)
      -small measuring bowls

      First, you would pour the liquids into three different, small measuring bowls.  Then, place a penny in each bowl (do not use the same penny.)  Like the egg experiment, I let them make predictions and then observations.
      You should let the pennies set in the liquid for 3-12 hours.  I only kept them in there for three.
      Observation? Neither lemon juice, cherry limeade, or vinegar turn the pennies blue, but lemon juice seems to corrode one penny.

      Experiment #3: If I put a tic-tac in a bottle of Cherry Limeade soda, will it explode like Mentos and Pepsi?
      You will need:
      -Tic-Tacs
      -Cherry Limeade
      -a bottle (I used a small, glass milk bottle.)

      This is the simplest experiment I can do.  We figured if a Mentos will explode a Pepsi, then a Cherry Limeade soda and a tic-tac should do the same.
      First, pour the Cherry Limeade into a bottle.  Next drop the tic-tac into the bottle, and observe.
      Observation?  It does not explode, but the tic-tacs do get a little bit bigger.