Are you looking for a fun little science experiment to do with your kiddos? Well, I have a super fun one that I have done with my little ones and they love it.
Have you ever seen dancing popcorn kernels? If not, you’re about to!
All you need to do this simple experiment is a mason jar, 1/4-cup of corn kernels, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1/4- cup of vinegar, and water.
You’re going to fill your mason jar with water about two-thirds of the way full. Then add the popcorn kernels and baking soda. Try to evenly spread out the baking soda and mix it until it is completely dissolved.
Then comes the magic! Add the vinegar and watch the kernels dance and bop around the mason jar.
This is a great opportunity to let the little one’s help with pouring and measuring things out.
They will love see the kernels dance. You can even explain the science behind it to your older kids.
I didn’t know why this happened, so I looked up the science behind this experiment. I wanted to be able to explain it to our kids and sound like we know everything.
The baking soda and the vinegar react, causing the carbon dioxide bubbles that then attach to the corn. That reaction brings the kernels to the surface.
Cue Surface Pressure from Encanto, right?!
The bubbles pop at the surface and the kernels float back down to the bottom of the jar to collect more bubbles and start the process again.
I love this experiment and so do my kids. I always link it to the fall as well because of the corn kernels, but this is a great activity year-round!
If you try it with your family, I’d love to hear about it. If you have a suggestion for another experiment or activity to try with youngsters, let me know.
ANN BURNS is a Morgantown native, raising two young children with her husband, Drake. She writes weekly columns for The Dominion Post. Contact her at Columns@DominionPost.com.
