This is a fun way to spend time together, while learning a little bit about science! National Popcorn Day is this month (January). This is the perfect time to try out this simple and fun experiment! You only need a few household items.
You'll need:
- A jar
- food coloring (optional)
- 2-3 cups of water
- 2 Tablespoons Baking soda
- 6 Tablespoons Vinegar
- Plain popping corn kernels
Directions:
- Fill the Jar with water and add food coloring if you'd like
- Add the baking soda and stir until it dissolves
- Add in corn kernels
- Add in vinegar to the jar and watch the corn dance around
Ask your kiddos what they think will happen. Have them make a hypothesis and test the results. This is also a great opportunity to talk about density when dropping the kernels into the water!
How does it work? The baking soda and vinegar cause a chemical reaction when they are mixed. The result of this reaction is carbon dioxide. The Carbon Dioxide gas forms bubbles that gather all around the popcorn. The bubbles then lift the kernels up to the surface and when the gas is released they fall back down!
