simple science experiments with popcorn

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Popping Popcorn Science Experiment

Getting kids interested in science is easy when you add fun experiments like this  Popping Popcorn Science Experiment to the equation!   What makes this science experiment even more fun than usual is that you get to make some yummy popcorn while you are at it! 

We all know how difficult it is for kids to retain information straight out of textbooks these days, so we decided to add a fun spin to it and did this hands-on science experiment! 

Keep reading to get the step-by-step process below and don't forget to download our free printable template to record your results from this popcorn science project!

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Popcorn Experiment - Supplies:

• 1 cup popcorn, divided
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

You will also need:

• Microwave safe bowl with plate or lid
• Heavy bottom pot or dutch oven with lid
• Electric popcorn popper
• popcorn experiment printable

Popcorn Science Experiment - Directions:

Step 1: get the printable and prepare your experiment.

STEP 2: Pop the popcorn

Popping popcorn in the microwave.

Popping popcorn on the stovetop

Popping popcorn in an electric popcorn popper

• Which method of popping popcorn did you prefer?
• Does the taste of the popcorn change depending on the cooking method?
• Does the texture of the popcorn change depending on the cooking method?
• Do you have a favorite popcorn?
• Which method made the popcorn pop the fastest? Which was the slowest?

• — Share It —

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Creative Family Fun

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Fun Popcorn Science Experiments for Kids

February 22, 2021 By Terri Thompson

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Do you love popcorn! I definitely do and so do my kids.

But, there’s more to popcorn than just a yummy snack. There’s a lot of science involved too.

So, let’s explore a little, do some popcorn science experiments , and learn while we snack.

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

Table of Contents

How does popcorn pop?

Perhaps one of the simplest experiments you can do is to pop a batch of popcorn to find out how it pops.

Ask a simple question: What elements do you need to pop popcorn? (Hint: Heat) But, why does heat make it pop?

It all has to do with pressure, and the particular make-up of the popcorn kernel. There’s a tiny bit of water inside a popcorn kernel. The heat produces steam, pressure forms, and POP! You’ve got popcorn.

While you’re popping, check out this article at Wonderopolis that answers all your questions.  It goes into much greater detail of all the science at work in popcorn.

So yes, your favorite salty snack is basically science at work.

Fun Popcorn Science Experiments

(Pictured left to right in above photo)

Now that we’ve talked about how popcorn works, let’s do some fun popcorn science experiments!

Use popcorn to do a fun classic experiment, Hopping Corn, with One Time Through .

What’s the difference between corn and popcorn? Explore and do some fun hands-on activities to answer this question at A Little Pinch of Perfect .

Explore volume and physical change with this fun popcorn experiment from EDventures for Kids .

Pop popcorn in a different way by popping it on the cob. Tinkerlab shows you how .

More Popcorn Science Projects

Try a popcorn and milk science experiment inspired by the book Farmer Boy. Check out Simple Living Creative Learning for all the details .

Use popcorn to compare weight with this fun science activity from Inspiration Laboratories .

Can changing how popcorn kernels are treated prior to popping change how well (or how many) they pop? Answer this questions with a fun Popcorn STEM activity from Lemon Lime Adventures .

What happens with you pop dyed popcorn? Our Whimsical Days shows you how to do this fun experiment .  (Not pictured.)

Turn snack time into learning time when you do some fun popcorn science experiments .

You may also like one of these fun science activities:

Jack Be Nimble Science Activity

Making Butter – Little House Inspired Science

Awesome Apple Science Experiments

Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids

My Must-Have Resources for Science Fun

I don’t know about you, but I don’t always have time to prep a fun science project. That’s why I love Green Kid Crafts Discovery boxes. The boxes are packed full of projects that are fun and inviting. You can choose to get a subscription or a one-off box based off of a specific theme. Any one you choose would be a lot of fun!

Here are some of our favorites (you can purchase and find out more at each link):

Get a monthly subscription .

Kitchen Science Box

Physics Box

Find all their fun STEM and science boxes here.

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Dancing Corn Experiment

Can you make popcorn dance? This dancing corn experiment can be done any time of the year, but it’s particularly fun during the Fall season. It is a  simple science experiment that  everyone will love!

Dancing Popcorn Experiment

💡 Explore more popcorn science with our fun popcorn in a bag activity! This is always popular to add to a fall science lesson plan.

Watch the Video

• Tall Jar or Glass {mason jars work well}
• 1/8-1/4 cup of popping corn
• 2 tbsp of baking soda
• 1 cup  of vinegar (use as needed)
• 2 cups of water

💡Want to try it with clear soda instead of baking soda and vinegar? Click here for dancing cranberries!

Instructions:

STEP 1. Grab your ingredients and let’s get started! You can use just about any tall glass or jar. An adult might want to assist with the measuring and pouring if necessary, but it’s also great practice for junior scientists.

STEP 2.   You can then have the kiddos fill the jar with 2 cups of water to start.

STEP 3 . Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda and stir well to mix thoroughly. You can also talk about which solids dissolve in water !

STEP 5. Now add the popping corn kernels or popcorn. You don’t need to add too many for a fun dancing effect.

At this point, you have the perfect opportunity to talk about predictions and have your kids predict what they think will happen when the vinegar is added.

STEP 6 . Now here comes the fun part of our dancing popcorn science project, adding the vinegar.

I would suggest adding the vinegar slowly. I filled a small party cup with vinegar. My son doesn’t do anything slowly, but he loves a good eruption!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Erupting Volcano Experiments

How Does The Dancing Popcorn Experiment Work?

A chemical reaction occurs between two or more substances that change and form a new substance. In this case, you have an acid (liquid vinegar) and a base (solid baking soda).

When the baking soda and vinegar are combined, they make a gas called carbon dioxide which produces the eruption you can see as well as the dancing action.

The secret to the magic dancing corn is the baking soda and vinegar chemical reaction. The carbon dioxide bubbles lift the corn, but as the bubbles pop, the corn falls back down! You can repeat this experiment over and over again. We watched the corn “dance” for 30 minutes!

Learn more about…

• Baking Soda and Vinegar Science Experiments
• Acids and Bases
• Chemical Changes

You can stir the mixture if you like or you can just observe it as is! Our dancing corn experiment lasted for a good half hour but slowed down along the way as the chemical reaction faded.

Using The Scientific Method

The scientific method is a process or method of research. A problem is identified, information about the problem is gathered, a hypothesis or question is formulated from the information, and the hypothesis is tested with an experiment to prove or disprove its validity.

READ MORE:   The Scientific Method For Kids With Examples

To apply the scientific method to the dancing corn experiment, start by identifying a problem or question. For instance, you might ask, “What will happen if corn kernels are added to a mixture of baking soda and vinegar?”

Next, form a hypothesis, such as, “If corn kernels are added to a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, then the corn kernels will start to dance.” To test this hypothesis, gather materials including corn kernels, baking soda, vinegar, and a clear container.

Record and analyze your observations to determine if they support your hypothesis, and consider conducting additional trials or modifying the experiment to further explore the phenomenon.

Fun Variations

Don’t have popcorn on hand? Here are some other easy ideas for setting up a similar experiment using everyday items you will find in your kitchen.

• Cranberries and soda
• We made sprinkles dance too! Thanks to a bit of physics!

More Fun Science Experiments To Try

• Erupting Mentos and Coke Reaction
• Citric Acid and Baking Soda
• Elephant Toothpaste
• Egg In Vinegar
• Skittles Experiment
• Growing Borax Crystals
• Saltwater Density Experiment

Printable Science Projects For Kids

If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!

• 90+ classic science activities  with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information.  NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
• Best science practices posters  and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
• Be a Collector activities pack  introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
• Know the Words Science vocabulary pack  includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
• My science journal writing prompts  explore what it means to be a scientist!!
• Bonus STEAM Project Pack:  Art meets science with doable projects!
• Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics.

15 Comments

Isn’t it all magic until you learn the science behind it??

I still like to believe in a little magic!

I do a lot of cranberry activities for thanksgiving…i make dough or slime with pureed cranberry. I also make a cranberry bog with fresh cranberries and water and tractor toys…and crush them with mortar, pestles and coffee filters to remove the natural red die

What a fun activity exploring a fun chemical reaction! I love how enthusiastic your son looks as well! Fantastic science fun for fall.

this is a awesome science experiment that i would like to try it.

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FUN! My 12 year old and 2 year old are having a great time with this!

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This was great fun for our preschoolers to watch. They loved guessing what would happen and watching the reaction. Thank you!

Awesome! SO glad to hear. Kids have great questions.

Thanks for sharing your cute ideas! I want to make something fun to celebrate fall with the kids! We are getting back into a good routine these days! Now I just need to schedule their pediatric dentist appointments haha!

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Dancing Popcorn Experiment: How-To Plus Free Worksheet

Things are about to get poppin’!

This fun experiment will be sure to delight any kid (or adult)! In the dancing popcorn experiment, kids learn about simple chemical reactions using only a few ingredients found in most pantries. Read on to see how to do the experiment, and  fill out the form on this page  to grab your free recording sheet.

How does the dancing popcorn experiment work?

This science experiment produces carbon dioxide (CO2) gas when different chemicals are mixed together. The gas that is formed makes the popcorn kernels rise to the surface of the liquid. The kernels fall back toward the bottom of the liquid when the gas is released. The up-and-down motion of the kernels makes it appear that the popcorn is, as the name of the experiment implies, dancing!

What does the dancing popcorn experiment teach?

This very simple experiment teaches kids about density as well as acid-base reactions.

Is there a dancing popcorn video?

This video shows two different ways to do the dancing popcorn experiment, using slightly different ingredients.

Materials Needed

To do the dancing popcorn experiment, you will need:

• Clear vase or large jar
• Popcorn kernels
• Alka-Seltzer tablets
• Baking soda

Use our free recording sheet for the experiment too! Fill out the form on this page to get it.

Dancing popcorn experiment steps:

1. Pour approximately 1 cup of dried popcorn kernels into a clear jar or vase. Note: You may need to alter the amount of each of the ingredients based on the size of the container you are using.

2. Next, pour approximately 2 cups of water into the container. ADVERTISEMENT

3. Drop in the Alka-Seltzer tablets.

4. Finally, stir all the ingredients together.

1. Pour approximately 1 cup of dried popcorn kernels into a clear jar or vase.

2. Next, pour in approximately 2 cups of vinegar.

3. Finally, add in a tablespoon or two of baking soda.

Grab our free dancing popcorn experiment worksheet!

Fill out the form on this page to get your worksheet. The worksheet asks kids to guess the correct order of the steps in the experiment. Next, kids must make a prediction about what they think will happen. They can use the provided spaces to draw what happens before and after they add the dish soap. Did their predictions come true?

Additional Reflection Questions

• What happened when we added the Alka-Seltzer to the mixture in Method 1?
• What happened when we added the baking soda to the mixture in Method 2?
• What do you think causes the popcorn kernels to appear to dance?
• What do you think would happen if we added more or less baking soda to the mixture in Method 2?
• What do you think would happen if we used a liquid other than water in Method 1?
• What do you think would happen if we used a liquid other than vinegar in Method 2?

Can the dancing popcorn experiment be done for a science fair?

Yes! If you want to do the dancing popcorn experiment for a science fair, we recommend switching up some of the variables. For example: Does the amount of liquid matter? Does how quickly you add the Alka-Seltzer or baking soda matter? What about how slowly or quickly you stir it or what you use to stir it? Form a hypothesis about how changing the variables will impact the experiment. You can even dye the popcorn kernels rainbow colors ahead of time for a spectacular effect. Good luck!

Looking for more experiment ideas? Check out our  big list of easy science experiments here.

Plus, be sure to  subscribe to our newsletters  to find out when more articles like this are posted., you might also like.

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