Made popcorn / Activity Analysis

Science

• The child learned about heat transfer and how the heat from the stove or microwave causes the popcorn kernels to pop.
• The child observed the change in state of matter, as the solid popcorn kernels turned into fluffy popped popcorn.
• The child learned about cause and effect, as they saw that applying heat to the kernels caused them to pop.
• The child practiced fine motor skills by carefully pouring the popcorn into a bowl and using their hands to eat it.

For continued development, you can encourage the child to explore other ways heat can change the state of matter, such as melting ice cubes or making chocolate melt. You can also discuss the concept of volume by comparing the amount of popcorn before and after it is popped.

Book Recommendations

• Popcorn by Elaine Landau: This book explores the history of popcorn and how it is made, providing interesting facts and illustrations.
• From Kernel to Corn by Ellen Weiss: This book takes readers through the journey of a corn kernel, explaining how it grows and is eventually harvested and turned into different products, including popcorn.
• The Popcorn Book by Tomie dePaola: This book tells the story of two boys who love popcorn and learn about its history, different types, and how it is made.