Guest blogger, Amy Mezni shares how she uses popcorn to teach about volume! What a fun way to SPICE UP a not-so-fun math topic!

Popcorn Volume

Are you looking for a fun but educational math activity?  Using popcorn to teach about volume is a hands-on lesson that compares the volume of different cylinders.  My students have really enjoyed doing this activity and are usually very surprised by the results!

Note: This activity is much better if students work in partners.

How to Use Popcorn to Teach About Volume

STEP 1

Students cut out the 2-D shapes and tape them securely into cylinders.

STEP 2

Students make predictions about the volume of the cylinders.

STEP 3

Students fill each cylinder with popcorn kernels, then count the number of kernels that fit in each one.  (Note: Some students may need a cup or funnel to help them fill the cylinder.)  Students write the results onto the worksheet.

STEP 4

Students reflect upon their predictions and compare them to the actual results.  Students also measure the cylinders and analyze their volume.

This is a great activity with surprising results.  It also takes a bit longer than you might think to complete it, as counting the popcorn kernels takes time.  This is a great activity to use on a day before a holiday!

Click here to download this free activity.  I hope you enjoy it!