Wiggly Wishbone

[30 Minutes]

Every cell in the body needs calcium to function properly. Out heart, nerves and muscles all need calcium for their activity. Bones need calcium to maintain strength. Ninety-nine percent of our body calcium is in our bones. Foods we need to eat that are high in calcium are: dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt, as well as, vegetables such as broccoli, collards, kale, mustard greens, turnip greens, and bok choy. If you resist the temptation to break the wishbone for luck after Thanksgiving dinner, you can complete this experiment and tie it into a knot instead. This will entertain your family and friends.

You'll need:

• 1 wishbone from either a roasted turkey or chicken • a jar big enough to hold the wishbone • a bottle of white vinegar

What to do:

1. If possible, print out these directions. Read them through before you begin.
2. Gather everything you'll need and always remember science safety.
3. Remove all the meat from the bone including the rubbery cartilage at the ends.
4. Wash it off in warm water and set it aside to dry out.
5. Put the wishbone in the jar.
6. Cover it completely with vinegar.
7. Let it sit for 3 days.
8. Pour off the vinegar, rinse the wishbone and see if it bends.
9. If not, cover it with fresh vinegar and check again in 3 days.
10. Depending on the size of the wishbone, repeat until the wishbone is bendable.
11. When the bone is very soft and pliable, tie the ends, into a knot and amaze your friends and family.

Useful information:

Vinegar, being a weak acid, dissolves the calcium which keeps the bones rigid. You need calcium and Vitamin D in your diet so that your bones are straight and strong. But, don’t worry, vinegar can’t hurt you.