The Egg in Vinegar Experiment Mastermind

Syd felt inspired to repeat our old favorite, the egg in vinegar experiment. After I reminded her of the simple steps, she found a glass jar, hauled the vinegar up from the basement laundry area, got an egg out of the refrigerator, carefully put it into the bottom of the glass jar, poured vinegar into the jar to cover the egg, then put all the extra stuff away--completely independently. I wasn't even in the room!

The girls kept an eye on it all afternoon and evening and the next morning--they love to watch the bubbles that signify that a chemical reaction is taking place, and they love to poke the egg in its jar and watch the shell slough off under their fingers.

The next afternoon, however, when it was time to pour off the vinegar and experience the egg in all its uncalcified glory, Syd decided that she was no way, no how going to touch that freaky-looking raw egg.

What's a hands-off scientist to do?

Delegate, that's what!

Willow, who loves textures and substances and the feel of all sorts of oddities on her skin, was happy to pour off the vinegar and caress the shell-less egg:

I know, her fingernails are filthy--you won't be surprised to learn of Willow's affinity for mud, I presume.

Syd even permitted Will to take the egg outside and perform their favorite part of the experiment:

Toss it in the grass and watch it splatter.

Then, of course, it's time to get out the hose to wash it away, and with the hose out...well, there's the rest of your afternoon, all planned out.