Exploring Mummification with Hot Dogs

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Here's how.

Active Time

45 minutes to 1 hour

Total Project Time

3 or more days

Key Concepts

mummification, desiccation, decomposition, Egyptology, natron salts

A fresh red hot dog lays next to a dried black hot dog on a paper towel

Introduction

Have you ever seen or heard of the movies "The Mummy" or "The Mummy Returns"? Mummies have often played a part in nightmares for Western cultures, but in ancient Egypt, mummification was a serious religious ritual thought to be necessary for a person to enjoy the afterlife. In this activity, you will learn about the science behind the process of mummification by mummifying a hot dog.

Credits

Teisha Rowland, PhD, Science Buddies

This activity is not appropriate for use as a science fair project. Good science fair projects have a stronger focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data. To find a science fair project that is just right for you, browse our library of over 1,200 Science Fair Project Ideas or use the Topic Selection Wizard to get a personalized project recommendation.

Next: Materials

Materials

Ruler
Scrap piece of paper and pen or pencil
Piece of string or yarn
Paper towels
Airtight plastic storage box with lid. Box must be at least 3 inches deep and longer and wider than the hot dog.
Meat hot dog
Baking soda, approximately 3 pounds from unopened packages. You will need enough to thoroughly surround and cover the hot dog in the box. Baking soda is also known as sodium bicarbonate.
Optional: Disposable gloves

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