How to Color Popcorn Kernels

Limited classroom budgets encourage teachers to be creative when finding materials for their lesson plans. Dried corn kernels are inexpensive and lend themselves to a wide range of diverse uses. Teachers use unpopped corn kernels for a variety of lessons and craft projects. Younger children can count and sort colored kernels. Older children can create complex patterns from arranging different colors of kernels into sequences. Dyed kernels arranged and glued onto heavyweight paper make durable, textured, artistic compositions.

Things You'll Need

• Popcorn kernels
• Measuring cup (optional)
• Digital food scale (optional)
• Measuring spoons
• Food storage zipper bags
• Food coloring (dye)
• Paper cups (optional)
• Denatured alcohol

Instructions

1. Measure or weigh the kernels to discover the quantity you have. Decide what colors you will be dyeing the kernels. Calculate the amount of popcorn you need to weigh or measure out, in order to have an equal amount of corn kernels for each color.

2. Use the scale or measuring cup to divide the kernels into equal piles. Place the unpopped kernels in separate food storage bags, one bag for each color.

3. Add 2 to 3 drops of food coloring to each bag for pastel colors. Use more (up to approximately 15 drops) food coloring for more intense color. You can mix shades of food coloring in paper cups to make colors that are not found in your food dye set. Pour 1 teaspoon of alcohol into each bag. Tightly seal the bags by zipping them closed.

4. Shake the bags vigorously. Make sure all the food coloring is distributed throughout the kernels.

5. Open the bags. Allow the dyed kernels to dry overnight before handling them.

Tips & Warnings

• Always supervise children carefully while doing craft projects.

References

• Teachers.net: Lesson Plans: Popcorn Day
• Tooter4Kids: Activities for Popcorn