Now you have learnt a little more about calcium and how important it is to our bones. However, are you really convinced?

Why not prove it? We have done an experiment here that would hopefully prove the importance of calcium: decalcification.

In this experiment, we shall have vinegar to represent our bloodstream, and the chicken bone represents our bone of course! If you have read our background info earlier, calcium level in our bloodstream must be maintained, hence, when our calcium level in the blood is low, calcium will be taken from our bones. But what actually happens to our bones when calcium is removed from it, and we do not replenish them?

Let's find out!

PS. The vinegar does not actually take calcium away from the bone. It just reacts with the calcium compound in the bone, hence calcium hydroxyapatite is absent in the bone by the end of the experiment.

Nothing beats seeing something with your own eyes and feeling with your own hands right? If you would like, you can also do the experiment with us!

Decalcification

Objective:

• Find out what happens to our bones when osteoporosis occurs.

Materials needed:

• steak knife
• uncooked chicken wing bone
• pure white vinegar: ethanoic acid(4 mol/dm3)
• hydrogen peroxide
• titration materials
• gloves (optional)

Things to remember:

• If not wearing gloves, always remember to wash your hands thoroughly with soap after handling the raw chicken bone as salmonella bacteria may be present.
• Have an adult present when handling the steak knife.
• Most importantly, enjoy yourself!

So what are you waiting for? Click on the 'right' arrow to proceed!

Decalcification - Objectives and Materials needed | Procedure | Results and Explanation

Calcification - Objectives, Materials needed and Procedure | Results and Explanation