How strong is an eggshell? This experiment is best for kids over the age of 5, but all ages can join in and have fun and learn about the strength of eggshells and why they break – or don’t.
Teach the Strength of Eggshells
This is an easy experiment for kids to test the strength of an eggshell. You only need 2 things to do it.
Supplies Needed:
- Raw eggs
- Zipped-top plastic bag
Directions:
- Take a raw egg and place it in a plastic bag.
- Place the egg squarely in the palm of their hand and ask them to squeeze as hard as they can on the top and bottom.
- It won’t break!
- Now try squeezing from the sides.
- Does it break? Nope!
Eggshell Test Experiment Video
Here’s a video of the experiment in action.
Why don’t eggshells break when you squeeze them?
This is why it works:
The strength of an eggshell lies in the shape. It resembles a 3-dimensional arch which is one of the strongest architectural forms. The curved form of the eggshell distributes pressure evenly all over the entire egg, rather than at one point.
So when you try to squeeze around the entire egg, you are distributing pressure around the entire egg.
But if you have a ring on your finger and squeeze the egg directly on the ring, it will crack. This is due to the direct pressure of the ring on one specific point on the egg.
This is why eggs won’t break when a hen sits on it, but will break when a baby chick pecks at it with their beak.
More Science Experiments for Young Children (5 +)
Here are some more fun science experiments for children 5 years and older.