Learn about the process by which kernels pop. Every kernel of popcorn has water and oil inside as well as a starch. When the oil and water inside the kernel heat past boiling, the moisture is turned to steam, which causes the hull to explode. There are many factors that can impact how well the kernels pop, including the type of popping corn.
Write a question and hypothesis. For example:
Does kernel temperature impact how many popcorn kernels pop?
Hypothesis: Colder kernels will not pop as well.
This hypothesis is the basis for your entire experiment.
Measure out 50 kernels of popping corn into three separate baggies. It is important to count the kernels of corn, so that the results can be accurately measured. It is also important that you use the exact same variety for each bag of kernels.
Place one bag in the freezer for two hours. Place one bag in the refrigerator for two hours. Place one bag on the counter at room temperature for two hours.
Pop each bag of kernels separately. Once the kernels from a single baggie are popped, place the popped corn in one bowl and the unpopped kernels in another. Count the unpopped kernels and make note of this in a notebook and which bag (freezer, fridge or counter) you popped.
Make observations. Your final step is to write out your observations. Which bag popped the best? Why do you think it popped better than the others? Were the findings different than what you expected?