Mason Jar Popcorn
added 2-18-02 Original
Author Unknown
Need: 1 quart mason jar with lid, 2 paper
towels, a few kernels of popcorn (helps if it's fresh), plastic knife or
spoon, and water.
Directions: Fold the paper towels so they
line the inside of the quart jar. Slide the knife or spoon down the
side between the paper towel and jar and drop popcorn kernels 1 at a time,
so they are about 1/2 way down the jar. Continue to do this around
jar until you have about 6 or so kernels of popcorn. Try to position
the popcorn so it is point down. Gently pat the paper towel to the
side of the jar again and wet gently so the paper towel sticks to the side
of the jar, hugging the kernel of popcorn between itself and the inside of
the jar. Put 1/8 to 1/4 inch water in the bottom of the jar, secure
the lid, and put in a sunny place, turning occasionally. In a couple
of days, students can begin to see the roots, and about a day later the
leaves. Through the glass they can see how the roots reach down to
the water and the leaves reach up for the sunshine. When the leaves
reach the top of the jar, carefully replant into peat pots (or eggshells!)
and watch them grow. If taken care of and moved to a garden, these
will actually produce ears of popcorn! My 3 year old loves this
experiment, especially in the dreary winter months. We made a
booklet for the experiment too. I drew the jar on several pieces of
paper, and she would chart the plants' progress on that template. We
ended up with a booklet that showed how a seed turns into a plant! It's
great, interactive fun that shows the foundations of reproduction, growth,
and gives the child something to care for and keep lab notes on too!
|
