Popcorn is a healthy snack that many enjoy, regardless of who you are and where you live. In fact, the snack is widely accepted and craved by many people across cultures and geographies of the world. This can be said to be the result of its incredible taste and nutritional value.
Regardless of its popularity and great taste, there are still many things that you probably did not know about popcorn. For instance, did you know that popcorn can pop and lock in the water?
In this article, we’ll explore some fun experiments you can try out with your popped corn!
One of the most straightforward experiments related to the snack is the “popping” itself. The making of popcorn is indeed one of the easiest processes to make. And one of the most interesting to watch! Also, the process of making popcorn can be almost as fun as eating popcorn.
How Does Popcorn Pop?
This is quite an easy technique. The processes involved are seemingly effortless and straightforward. All the equipment you need is a saucepan, oil, butter, popcorn kernels, and your cooker.
Once you coat the bottom of your saucepan with just a little oil, you can put the saucepan over heat. Then, add the kernels and butter. Afterward, add a pinch of salt and sugar to taste, then stir and cover.
Ensure that the saucepan gets sufficient heat from your cooker, and within a short time, you’ll hear the kernels begin to pop. When the popping slows down, remove the pan from the heat and wait for a few seconds. Your popcorn is ready to be served.
Here are some other fun experiments you can try with your popcorn.
Hopping Corn Experiments
This is often an entertaining experience, especially for kids. It can be quite educational, and they can have a lot of fun in the process. In this experiment, you will watch the corn hop up and down a container.
What you need:
- a transparent glass container
- about 3 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of soda
- 6 tablespoons of vinegar
- popping corn
INSTRUCTION
- Fill up your container with water.
- Add baking soda and stir well.
- Add a handful of popping corn.
- Introduce the vinegar to the water, and your corn will start to hop up and down repeatedly.
This experiment shows the reaction between baking soda and vinegar. They both react to carbon dioxide (CO2) gas, and the continuous hoping of the corn is due to the bubbles generated in the reaction process.
Kernels and Popcorn Corn Sensory Experiments
This experiment is great for kids! You can use it as a fun way to teach your kids the difference between corn kernels and popped corn.
What you need:
- printed corn graphs and a pen
- corn kernels
- popcorn
- a small scale
- measuring cups
- bowls
The objective of this project is to help kids observe the difference between regular corn kernels and popcorn in a fun way.
INSTRUCTION
- Distribute the corn graphs.
- Let the kids observe and record the physical differences between the two quantities by touching, holding, and smelling them.
- Have the kids put the kernels and the popcorn in a jar of water to see how it reacts, and to see which one floats in water.
- Fill up one measuring cup with corn kernels, count and record the number of seeds that filled the cup. Repeat the same process for popcorns as well.
- Weigh both quantities on a scale and record their weights in the graph book.
- Finally, re-inspect the graph and discuss the results.
Make sure that everyone participates, so that no one will miss out on the fun.
Popcorn Math Project
This project is a straightforward one. It is mostly for elementary school kids, and is an exciting way to teach them math.
Math has always been a very tricky subject for both adults and kids alike. For kids, picking up the basics of numbers and counting can prove to be quite challenging. However, introducing fun ways to carry out these tasks can go a long way to make things a whole lot easier for them.
In this experiment, we’ll use corn kernels and popcorn to simplify the art of counting.
What you need:
- corn kernels
- popcorn
- transparent jars
INSTRUCTION
Unlike other experiments, this project is very straight forward. All you need to do is introduce several corn kernels and popcorns to the kids. Then, let the kids count them one after the other.
In addition to the sublime taste of the snack, popcorn also offers an avenue for fun-filled experiences with the incredible experiments that kids and adults alike can do. Try out some of these experiments and see what results you get!