Young boffins explode some food puzzles

Mar 19 2008 by Moira Sharkey, South Wales Echo

AN explosive science lesson gave pupils food for thought.

Donned in white coats and wearing safety goggles, youngsters learned the science behind food – including what makes popcorn pop.

More than 200 children visited the Education Zone at GE Healthcare’s Maynard Centre in Whitchurch, Cardiff, to take part in discussions, a quiz and experiments as part of National Science and Engineering Week.

The budding boffins were encouraged to think about what makes a good diet and discovered what makes popcorn “pop” in an experiment which proved that excess moisture can prevent the popping action.

A class of 30 pupils from Herbert Thompson Primary School in Ely, Cardiff, were among those to visit the lab in the last fortnight.

Teacher Rebecca Barker said: “National Science and Engineering Week demonstrates to children the important role science plays in our everyday lives.

“The children enjoyed the chance to visit a real science lab and were excited by the explosive action as the kernels transformed into popcorn. It was really encouraging to see the pupils being so enthusiastic about food, including fruit and vegetables.”

Year 6 pupil Christopher Parson said: “We had an investigation into making popcorn with different corn. We also had a quiz and you had to find out the answers you did not know from the posters on the walls. “The questions were on fruit, parts of the body, the lungs, heart, mouth and teeth. But the best part of the day was getting free popcorn to take home.”

Classmate Emily Newsham added: “We made popcorn in the lab using four different groups. The first group was the hydrated corn, the second group was the damaged corn, the third group was the animal feed corn and the fourth group was the normal popping corn.

“The corn which popped the most was the popping corn and the corn that popped the least was the animal feed. The hydrated corn came third because some corn popped. The damaged corn came second. It filled a bit but not all the way.”

National Science and Engineering Week which ended at the weekend is an annual event organised to increase awareness among children of the contribution science makes to the world we live in and to encourage them to think about related careers.

moira.sharkey@mediawales.co.uk