Scientist study the mystery of popcorn: why does it jump and make noise?
Video - Slow motion popcorn popping https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rPMIkN5fR4
Vocabulary endosperm- This is the starch that provides food (energy) for the living part of the kernel. Zea mays everta – The scientific name for popcorn. Celsius- Of or relating to a temperature scale that registers the freezing point of water as 0° and the boiling point as 100°.
Vocabulary Fahrenheit- Of or relating to a temperature scale that registers the freezing point of water as 32°F and the boiling point as 212°F. phenomenon- Something that is impressive or extraordinary.
Section – Why Does it Jump and Pop? What is the scientific name for popcorn? How many types of corn kernels actually pop when heated?
Section – Thousands of Pictures Explain step by step what happens to popcorn when it is heated?
Section - Look, Listen, Then Taste Justify that the release of water vapor is the popping sound a kernel makes.
Discussion questions Evaluate the scientists’ procedures for their experiment? How would you improve their methods?
Summary Writing Assignment Explain what makes a kernel jump and pop? (Use 3 specific pieces of evidence from the article.)
Performance Task 1. If you were a scientist in charge of testing why some kernels do not pop? 2. Explain how you set up and test your hypothesis.