Popcorn anyone?

We've had a bit of a bubble theme in the last weeks of school - and along with this we've talked a lot about doing some popping of a different kind. Not many of the tamariki from Rourou had ever popped their own popcorn, rather used popcorn bags in the microwave or eaten pre-popped corn.

Well, we thought, that needs to be addressed immediately!

We had a bit of a discussion about how water expands when heated - just like when we boil the kettle for a hot drink. We looked carefully at the corn kernels. It was hard to imagine they had any moisture inside of them they are so hard and dry. But in the very centre is a little bit of moisture that gets heated and expands inside the kernel until it pops.

First we put some oil and popcorn in a pan. We had a good look to see what it looked like inside the pan then we sat down. Then we turned the cooker on and waited...

After sitting down we talked about what we could smell - well not much at this stage honestly!! Then we talked about what we could hear - we had to be very quiet to listen! There was a lot of sizzling for what felt like a very long time. Then a little pop followed by a bigger pop - then we were away! It was very exciting!

Then of course the best part! After smelling the delicious popcorn popping - we were able to eat it!!

Namunamuā! Delicious!