Popcorn Facts
Science Project: Air-popped White Popcorn vs. Yellow Popcorn
Know the difference between white and yellow popcorn? Which pops bigger? Find out!
Materials needed:
- Supply of white and of yellow popcorn
- Hot air popper
- Large bowl
- Tablespoon
- 2 quart measuring cup
- Plastic bag for white and yellow samples
Instructions:
- Work up a data chart to record your results. Take a sheet of paper and write out rows down the page for your control variables and columns across the top for your results. Your six control variables are Yellow Kernel Samples 1, 2, & 3 and White Kernel Samples 1, 2, & 3. Your four results columns are number of total kernels, volume, number of unpopped kernels, and size of popped kernels.
- Measure out one tablespoon of yellow kernels.
- Pop the sample in the air popper, using a large bowl to catch the popped kernels.
- Pour the popped sample into a large measuring cup. Record the volume on your chart.
- Count the number of popped kernels and record on the chart.
- Count the number of unpopped kernels and record on the chart.
- Repeat these steps with the other two yellow kernel samples and all three white kernel samples of popcorn. Record your results for each.
Questions for discussion:
- Which of the samples produced the largest popped pieces?
- Which type of popcorn takes up more room, yellow or white?
- Which type of popcorn had the fewest unpopped kernels?
