This fun experiment will be sure to delight any kid (or adult)! In the dancing popcorn experiment, kids learn about simple chemical reactions using only a few ingredients found in most pantries. Read on to see how to do the experiment, and fill out the form on this page to grab your free recording sheet.

How does the dancing popcorn experiment work?

This science experiment produces carbon dioxide (CO2) gas when different chemicals are mixed together. The gas that is formed makes the popcorn kernels rise to the surface of the liquid. The kernels fall back toward the bottom of the liquid when the gas is released. The up-and-down motion of the kernels makes it appear that the popcorn is, as the name of the experiment implies, dancing!

What does the dancing popcorn experiment teach?

This very simple experiment teaches kids about density as well as acid-base reactions.

Is there a dancing popcorn video?

This video shows two different ways to do the dancing popcorn experiment, using slightly different ingredients.

Materials Needed

To do the dancing popcorn experiment, you will need:

Method 1:

  • Clear vase or large jar
  • Water
  • Popcorn kernels
  • Alka-Seltzer tablets

Method 2:

  • Clear vase or large jar
  • Baking soda
  • Vinegar
  • Popcorn kernels

Use our free recording sheet for the experiment too! Fill out the form on this page to get it.

Dancing popcorn experiment steps:

Method 1

1. Pour approximately 1 cup of dried popcorn kernels into a clear jar or vase. Note: You may need to alter the amount of each of the ingredients based on the size of the container you are using.

A hand is seen pouring popcorn kernels into a glass jar. Text reads Add popcorn.

2. Next, pour approximately 2 cups of water into the container.

A hand is seen pouring water into a glass jar that contains popcorn kernels in this step in the dancing popcorn experiment. Text reads Add Water.

3. Drop in the Alka-Seltzer tablets.

A glass jar containing water, popcorn kernels, and semi-dissolved Alka-Seltzer tabs is shown in this step in the dancing popcorn experiment. Text reads Drop in Alka-Seltzer tablets.

4. Finally, stir all the ingredients together.

A plastic spoon is seen inserted inside a glass jar containing liquid and popcorn kernels. Text reads Stir.

Method 2

1. Pour approximately 1 cup of dried popcorn kernels into a clear jar or vase.

A hand is seen pouring popcorn kernels into a glass jar in this first step in the dancing popcorn experiment.

2. Next, pour in approximately 2 cups of vinegar.

A hand is seen pouring vinegar into a glass jar containing popcorn kernels. Text reads Add Vinegar.

3. Finally, add in a tablespoon or two of baking soda.

A hand is seen holding a spoon with a pile of baking soda on it. A bag of baking soda is also shown as is a glass jar filled with liquid and popcorn kernels.

Grab our free dancing popcorn experiment worksheet!

Dancing popcorn experiment worksheet with a tub of popcorn on a red square background.
We Are Teachers

Fill out the form on this page to get your worksheet. The worksheet asks kids to guess the correct order of the steps in the experiment. Next, kids must make a prediction about what they think will happen. They can use the provided spaces to draw what happens before and after they add the dish soap. Did their predictions come true?

Additional Reflection Questions

  1. What happened when we added the Alka-Seltzer to the mixture in Method 1?
  2. What happened when we added the baking soda to the mixture in Method 2?
  3. What do you think causes the popcorn kernels to appear to dance?
  4. What do you think would happen if we added more or less baking soda to the mixture in Method 2?
  5. What do you think would happen if we used a liquid other than water in Method 1?
  6. What do you think would happen if we used a liquid other than vinegar in Method 2?

Can the dancing popcorn experiment be done for a science fair?

Yes! If you want to do the dancing popcorn experiment for a science fair, we recommend switching up some of the variables. For example: Does the amount of liquid matter? Does how quickly you add the Alka-Seltzer or baking soda matter? What about how slowly or quickly you stir it or what you use to stir it? Form a hypothesis about how changing the variables will impact the experiment. You can even dye the popcorn kernels rainbow colors ahead of time for a spectacular effect. Good luck!

Looking for more experiment ideas? Check out our big list of easy science experiments here.

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