Popping corn is a real treat for the kiddos when it comes to movie night or in our house any morning, noon, or night! If I can add a bit of popcorn science into the mix, why not? Popcorn also makes for a fun popcorn science fair project or popcorn experiment. Get set to experiment with our easy microwave popcorn recipe, and find out why popcorn pops. Let’s make popcorn!
PinPopcorn Facts
Here are a few popcorn facts to start you off on the right pop! Did you know…
- Popcorn is made from a type of of corn kernel. It is the only type of corn that can pop!
- A kernel of popcorn has three parts: germ (the very middle), endosperm, and pericarp (hull).
- There are several varieties of popcorn including sweet, dent, flint (Indian corn), and popcorn! Can you guess which one pops the best? Popcorn of course because it’s hull has just the right thickness for the magic (science) to work!
PinThe Science of Popcorn
All three states of matter are included in this fun and especially edible popcorn science project. Explore liquids, solids, and gases with yummy popcorn and find out what makes popcorn pop.
Inside each kernel (solid) of popcorn is a small drop of water (liquid) that is stored within the soft starch. Each kernel needs the right combination of moisture content and heat from an external source like a microwave to produce the awesome popping sounds.
Steam (gas) builds up inside the kernel and eventually bursts the kernel when it becomes too much for the hull to hold. The soft starch spills out into the unique shape you get to see and taste! That is why popcorn kernels pop!
💡Corn kernels are also fun to use for this Dancing Corn Experiment! Watch the video too!
PinMicrowave Popcorn Recipe
This is a super simple recipe for making the best microwave popcorn!
Ingredients:
- Popcorn kernels
- Brown paper lunch bags
- Optional: Salt and Butter
PinHow To Make Popcorn In The Microwave
STEP 1. Open a brown paper bag and pour in 1/3 cup popcorn kernels.
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STEP 2. Fold the top of the bag down twice.
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STEP 3. Place the popcorn in a bag in the microwave and cook on high for about 1 1/2 minutes.
Remove from the microwave when you hear the popping slow down so it doesn’t burn.
STEP 5. Add melted butter and salt to your heart’s desire.
Be careful when you open the bag as the kernels might still be popping and may be very hot.
💡Next, you will want to whip up some butter in a jar to go with your microwave popcorn!
PinMore Fun Kitchen Science Activities
- Shake up some homemade butter
- Make bread in a bag
- Try this melting chocolate experiment
- Write secret messages with cranberries
Turn It Into A Popcorn Science Project
For younger children…
Make sure to include the 5 senses when you put together this popcorn experiment! Ask the kiddos questions along the way. Making popcorn is a great way to explore the 5 senses.
- Taste it!
- Touch it!
- Smell it!
- Hear it!
- See it!
💡Check out more fun 5 sense activities for preschoolers!
For older kiddos…
Here’s a couple of quick ways to take this popcorn science project from an activity to an experiment! Remember a science experiment tests a hypothesis and usually has a variable.
💡Learn more about the Scientific Method For Kids and using variables.
Here are several popcorn experiments to choose from.
- Will the same amount of kernels yield the same amount of popped corn each time? Make sure to use the same measurements, same brand, and same set up for each bag and run three separate trials to draw your results.
- Which brand of popcorn pops the most kernels?
- Does butter or oil make a difference? Pop the corn with and without butter to see! You will need to run several trials to gather enough data. (More bags of popcorn to taste!)
What other kinds of popcorn science experiments can you think of?
Helpful Resources For Your Science Fair Project
Science projects are an excellent tool for older kiddos to show what they know about science! Plus, they can be used in all sorts of environments including classrooms, homeschool, and groups.
Kids can take everything they have learned about using the scientific method, stating a hypothesis, choosing variables, making observations and analyzing and presenting data.
Want to turn one of these experiments into an awesome science fair project? Check out these helpful resources.
- Science Project Tips From A Teacher
- Science Fair Board Ideas
- Easy Science Fair Projects
Printable Thanksgiving STEM Activities Pack
STEMS-Giving Pack! A full menu of Thanksgiving dinner science activities, secret codes, and more!
What’s Included:
- STEMS-Giving! A feast of science and STEM with simple experiments and projects for home or classroom!
- Even More Thanksgiving theme STEM activities with printable sheets, instructions, and useful information all using easy-to-source materials and perfect for limited time needs. Includes a Thanksgiving theme engineering pack with fun, problem-based challenges for kids to solve!
- Got STEAM? Try a turkey in a disguise challenge with writing prompts and more! Also color by code turkeys in disguise!
- Try your hand at building shapes with cranberry structure challenge cards.
- Discover Thanksgiving brick-building challenges perfect for early finishers, quiet time, hands-on math, or family time.
