Fun Popcorn Science Experiments for Kids

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.

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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.