Dancing Corn Science Experiment
This dancing corn science activity is incredibly fun! All you need is a few ingredients you can find around your house! Your kids will have so much fun with this fall science experiment!
Dancing Corn Science Experiment
This really simple science experiment is a fall favorite for our kids. Your kids will love trying this experiment out with different amounts of baking soda and vinegar to try and get even more dancing corn!
You just need these a few simple supplies – a jar, water, corn kernels, baking soda and vinegar.
*Note: This should be done with adult supervision at all times.
Setting Up the Dancing Corn Science Activity
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Supplies Needed:
- Jar or tall cup
- Water
- Baking Soda
- Vinegar
- Corn kernels
Instructions:
- Grab your jar and some small bowls or cups for your vinegar, baking soda and corn kernels. You will also want to grab a tablespoon and quarter cup measuring spoon. Fill up the small bowls generously if you want to use them for multiple attempts.
- You will want to start by pouring the corn kernels into the jar. We filled the jar so that there was enough corn on the bottom to be about a half inch high. Depending on your jar this is typically about a quarter cup of corn kernels.
- Next, you will want to pour water into the jar. Typically you will want to fill the cup or jar about 3/4 of the way full.
- For this step you will want to fill 1 tablespoon with baking soda. Pour it into the jar and the mix until most of it has dissolved into the water. Make sure the baking soda mixes with the corn and not just the water.
5. This is the step where we start to see the corn dance! Fill a quarter cup measuring spoon with white distilled vinegar and then pour it in. Make sure you have a tray underneath because on occasion it will really bubble up and spill out of the jar. If it does spill out of the jar, fill the jar with less water or use less vinegar. You will have to make adjustments based on the size of your container.
Tips
- As mentioned above, you will definitely want to experiment with different amounts of baking soda, water and vinegar to really get the corn dancing. We found that using a little less water and the same amount of vinegar worked for us. It didn’t spill out, but really got the corn dancing!
- Have multiple glasses or jars ready so you can experiment with many variations. We did this experiment 4 times in about 10 minutes. It’s a really fast experiment that can be done back to back if you have enough of the supplies ready. As you set once jar to the side you will see the kernels continue to dance!
Video Instructions of Dancing Corn Science Experiment
Dancing Corn Experiment Variation
Another fun option is to add food coloring to the water. Our daughter came up with this idea and tried it with several different colors. She had so much fun with it. Just make sure you have a tray below so that if any of the water spills out you don’t stain your table.
The Science Behind this Dancing Corn Experiment:
Upon combining baking soda and vinegar, carbon dioxide gas is generated, resulting in the bubble eruption and fun dancing motion you observe.
The dancing performance is achieved through the chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar. The carbon dioxide bubbles elevate the corn, but once they burst, the corn descends. The process will continue over and over. We watched the kernels dance for 20-30 minutes in some of the jars!
I hope your kids have a great time with this fun dancing popcorn science experiment!
Check out these other science experiments and activities for kids.
This Magic Pepper and Soap Science Experiment is so easy to setup and fun for kids of all ages!
This rainbow Walking Water Science Experiment is always a big hit for the kids!
This cool Color Changing Flowers Experiment will amaze your kids as they watch the colors crawl up to the petals!
This simple Oobleck recipe only requires two household ingredients!
Science is Engaging and Fun for Kids!
Science experiments help foster curiosity and ignite children’s imagination. These experiments help develop a love for learning! It’s a great way for kids to work on problem solving skills, critical thinking and fine motor skills while building confidence!
Your kids will love learning science concepts in home or the classroom.