Popcorn Predicting
More than a tasty treat and fun fall decor, popcorn can be fun to experiment with, too!
First make a batch of colored popcorn kernels (recipe below). Plan ahead, you’ll need to make these a few hours (to a day) ahead of doing your science project.
Colored Popcorn Kernels:
¼ cup water
1 Tbsp vinegar
Dash of salt
Food coloring
Popcorn kernels, preferably white
Combine the water, vinegar, salt and food coloring in a small bowl; repeat for each color of kernel you want to make, using a separate container for each color. Add as many popcorn kernels as you want, as long as there is still water covering all the kernels. Stir gently with a spoon. Allow the kernels to sit in the mixture for at least an hour. Carefully drain the liquid and spread the kernels on cooling racks covered with paper towel. Make sure the popcorn is completely dry before popping.
Experiment:
Use uncolored kernels as a control (the part of the experiment that doesn’t change) and colored kernels as the variable (the part of the experiment that we change). Ask your child to make a hypothesis (prediction) about what will happen when you pop the popcorn. Pop both types of corn and analyze the results. And then of course, enjoy the delicious popcorn snack!
Extend the Fun!
Colored popcorn kernels make great mosaics – draw a picture on sturdy paper, like cardstock. Choose one section at a time to add popcorn and fill the area with a thin layer of glue (we used a paint brush). Place popcorn in the glue and repeat with next sections. Allow the picture to dry flat before moving.
Give a bright homemade gift – color popcorn kernels and layer in a mason jar. Attach a handmade card and you have a holiday gift that teachers, friends and family will adore!
