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Create a Cave science experiment : Fizzics Education

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Create a Cave

Create a Cave

Follow FizzicsEd 150 Science Experiments:

You will need:

  • A chalk block, the bigger the better
  • Vinegar or a weak acid

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Create a cave science experiment - materials needed
1 Create a cave science experiment - boring a hole in chalk

Carve out a small hole inside the chalk block. You can just crush up the chalk to speed the reaction.

2 Create a cave science experiment - adding vinegar to chalk

Fill the hole with vinegar and allow the vinegar to react with chalk, you should see small bubbles.

3 Create a cave science experiment - hole beginning to widen

Pour out the liquid once you see no more bubbles, this may take some time.

4 Create a cave science experiment - bubbles formed

Add some fresh acid, vinegar, into the hole and allow the liquid to react again with the chalk. Repeat & repeat.

5 Create a cave science experiment - hole beginning to widen

Is the hole starting to get bigger? Why? Where does the chalk go in the reaction? Check below…

6 A image of a stylised volcano

Get the Unit of Work on Geology here!

  • The Earth’s layers, the rock cycle, volcanoes, earthquakes & more!

From soil science to mineral testing, these hands-on experiments your students will discover the importance of natural resources and the role of plate tectonics in shaping our world.

Includes cross-curricular teaching ideas, student quizzes, a sample marking rubric, scope & sequences & more

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8 Teacher showing how to do an experiment outside to a group of kids.

Online courses for teachers & parents

– Help students learn how science really works

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Why Does This Happen?

Chalk is made up of a type of limestone, a compound made of Calcium and Oxygen. Chalk is formed by the shells of microscopic marine organisms, often containing fossils from ancient seabeds. Vinegar reacted with the chalk to produce Carbon Dioxide gas, water and an aqueous compound.

2CH3CO2H(aq) + CaCO3(s) > 2Ca(CH3CO2)2(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)

Limestone caves are formed when the limestone itself is dissolved by weak acids present in groundwater. This process occurs over many years and can eventually lead to forming massive formations as seen in the Jenolan Caves.

A similar process occurs when acid rain touches marble statues, this is a major issue in historic areas.

Variables to test

More on variables

  • Try using lemon juice as the acid instead of vinegar.
  • With your science teacher’s supervision and safety glasses & PPE, try stronger acids

A man with a glove above a liquid nitrogen vapour cloud

Learn more!

From the rock cycle to volcano formation, we’ve got your geology unit covered!
Get in touch with FizzicsEd to find out how we can work with your class.

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