Kitchen Chemistry: Eggshell Chalk

Summary

In this engaging video, viewers learn how to make sidewalk chalk using eggshells. The process begins with cracking open four to five eggs, rinsing the shells, and pulverizing them into a fine powder. A paste is created by mixing flour and hot water, combined with the ground eggshells and food coloring. The mixture is then shaped into a cylinder and baked at 150 degrees for 90 minutes. The video highlights the science behind the project, explaining that calcium carbonate, the main ingredient in store-bought chalk, is also found in eggshells, making this a fun and educational DIY experiment.

Takeaways

• 🥚 Use eggshells to make sidewalk chalk, a fun and eco-friendly project.
• 👩‍🍳 You need 4 to 5 eggs for this experiment; save the insides for cooking.
• 💧 Rinse the eggshells thoroughly to remove any leftover egg residue and membranes.
• 🔄 Pulverize the eggshells into a fine powder using a food processor or mortar and pestle.
• 🌈 Mix 1 teaspoon of flour with 1 teaspoon of hot water to create a paste.
• 🥄 Add 1 tablespoon of the pulverized eggshells and a few drops of food coloring to the paste.
• 🔸 Shape the mixture into a long cylinder, resembling a piece of chalk.
• 🔥 Bake the shaped chalk in the oven at 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65 degrees Celsius) for 90 minutes.
• ✅ The primary ingredient in commercial sidewalk chalk is calcium carbonate, found in eggshells.
• 🌍 This project promotes sustainability by recycling eggshells into usable chalk.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The video demonstrates how to make sidewalk chalk using eggshells.

What materials are needed for the sidewalk chalk experiment?

You will need eggs, food coloring, flour, mixing bowls, a food processor or mortar and pestle, measuring spoons, parchment paper, a baking sheet, and an oven.

What should you do with the eggs after cracking them open?

After cracking the eggs, keep only the shells and use the egg contents for breakfast if desired.

Why is it important to rinse the eggshells?

Rinsing the eggshells removes any remaining egg and the thin membrane inside the shell, which ensures a clean product.

How do you turn the eggshells into powder?

You can use a food processor or a mortar and pestle to pulverize the cleaned eggshells into a fine powder.

What are the steps to create the chalk paste?

Mix 1 teaspoon of flour with 1 teaspoon of hot water to form a paste, then add 1 tablespoon of the eggshell powder and a few drops of food coloring, mixing everything together.

How do you shape the chalk?

Scoop out the mixture and roll it into a long cylinder shape, resembling a piece of chalk.

What is the baking process for the chalk?

The shaped chalk should be placed on parchment paper on a baking sheet and baked at 150 degrees Fahrenheit for 90 minutes.

What happens after baking the chalk?

Once baked, the chalk is ready to be used for drawing on sidewalks.

What is a fun fact about the main ingredient in sidewalk chalk?

The main ingredient in store-bought sidewalk chalk is calcium carbonate, which is also found in eggshells.