Science Projects on Popcorn
Engaging science projects are a great way to renew and maintain student interest in science. A variety of science projects can be done on popcorn, a food that is both commonly found in households and inexpensive. Popcorn science projects are appropriate for upper elementary and middle-school students, who will enjoy analyzing this snack and then eating it once the experiments are over.
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How Popcorn Pops
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Popcorn kernels contain a small amount of water and, when heated quickly, this water turns into steam. As the steam gets hotter, it overcomes the strength of the kernel and explodes, resulting in the characteristic puffy appearance. Conduct an experiment on how moisture levels impact the popping of kernels. Expose equal amounts of kernels to environments such as freezing temperatures, water and low oven heat. Next, pop each sample separately and analyze and record the results. While the kernels soaked in water are likely to pop fluffier than the other popcorn, the kernels heated in the oven are likely to have barely popped at all. Compare factors such as the sizes of the unpopped and popped kernels for each sample.
Fluffiest Popcorn
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Compare several brands of popcorn to determine which brand produces the fluffiest popcorn. Conduct this experiment by using the same popping time frame and technique for equal amounts of each brand of popcorn kernels. Be sure to keep the conditions for each brand as similar as possible and avoid using any toppings on the popcorn. Measure the volume of the popped kernels for each brand by placing the popcorn into glass bowls of the same size. Take note of, and record, any differences in color, size and weight.
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Sprouting Kernels
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Popcorn kernels are seeds that are likely to sprout if planted under the proper conditions. Have students compare the growth of planted microwave popcorn kernels and regular popcorn kernels. Separate students into group and give each group a select number of small pots, such as six. Students should fill each pot with soil and insert two seeds roughly an inch into the soil. Three pots should have two microwave popcorn kernels each, while the remaining pots should have two regular popcorn kernels in each. Students should then label the pots accordingly and, after watering, place them in an area with regular sunlight. The pots should be monitored on a daily basis for sprouting and growth, watering when necessary. The data can then be analyzed, compared and recorded in graph format.
Popcorn Taste Test
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Another popcorn science project that student will love is a popcorn taste test. While this can be done with any type of popcorn, microwave brands are probably the easiest. Separate students into groups of experiment conductors and taste testers. Have the experimenters pop two brands of similar-flavored microwave popcorn and ask the testers to taste each brand and choose which they prefer. Make sure not to tell the tasters which brand is which, or keep them blindfolded for more suspense. Tasters can use water to rinse their mouths between popcorn brands if desired. Experimenters then record the choices of the taste testers, including details such as whether they preferred one brand only slightly or quite a bit. At the end, the class can analyze the results and compare the ingredients of the different brands.
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References
- Photo Credit popcorn image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com
