
One of my favorite kids science experiments is the “Rubber Chicken Bone.” It teaches and demonstrates the importance of calcium to the bone structure. Though the message is important, the actual experiment is actually quite fun and simple. It requires a week to fully complete.
As kids science experiments go, this one is relatively inexpensive. All you need is three drum sticks, two jars, and some vinegar. You want to take a picture of your child trying to bend all three bones as much as he or she can. Grab them at each of their ends and bend downward; you will see it will be extremely difficult. The photos will show no bending.
Then take the two jars and put one in each; filling them with vinegar as to completely cover them. Leave one in for three days; the second inside for seven days. At the end of the third day, take one out and again try to bend it. You will realize it is bendable and squishy. The other should be removed after the seventh day. See how bendable this one is. Notice how it has completely lost all its sturdiness.
Of all the kids science experiments I have done with my kid, this one is my favorite. We often tell our children how important it is to drink milk and get other forms of calcium into their system, but this actually demonstrates to them what we mean. Have fun with it and don’t forget to capture the data in notes and pictures as you go along. Also, make a nice display so it can stand out along side all the other science fair experiments. Please drop me an email me if you have any questions.