Tag: farm

Dancing Corn Kernels

Materials:

  • Mason jar
  • Popcorn kernels
  • Water
  • Baking soda
  • Vinegar
  • Spoon
  • Tablespoon
  • Pan (to contain the mess)
  • Food coloring (optional)

Directions:

  1. Put the mason jar inside the pan so any overflow from the jar is contained.
  2. Fill the mason jar about 2/3 full with water.
  3. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the water and stir until the baking soda is dissolved.
  4. Add a handful of popcorn kernels to the mason jar.
  5. Slowly pour about 4 tablespoons of vinegar to the mason jar.  If you add the vinegar too quickly, the combination may just overflow into the pan.  After a little while, the popcorn kernels will start dancing in the jar.  If this doesn’t happen, give the liquid a quick stir.

What’s happening?

The secret to the dancing corn is the reaction between the vinegar and baking soda.  When baking soda (a base) is mixed with the vinegar (an acid), they produce carbon dioxide (a gas)!  The carbon dioxide bubbles lift the corn, but as the bubbles pop, the corn falls back down!