Popcorn 5 Senses Activity

What’s Poppin?

You’ve been teaching your preschoolers all about their sense of sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. You’ve done art projects, set up science centers, and read tons of books. Now you need one great activity to pull it all together! Try this popcorn activity with your preschoolers for a fun, festive, culminating lesson on the Five Senses.

Setting Up the Popcorn Activity

Use an “old fashioned” air popper to make the popcorn.  If you can’t find one, the microwave is ok, but the popper will provide the best experience – and it’s less likely to burn!

Be sure to talk about each step and the senses that students use along the way.  Students will look at the kernels, but they can also feel how smooth and hard they are in their hands.  Ask the students if the kernels feel like the popcorn when they eat it.  How are they different?

Check out how and why popcorn pops.  The video alone is mezmerizing!  Explain to the students that hot air makes the kernels cook.  Turn on the popper and listen to the sound of the machine.  Following the manufacturer’s directions, make a batch and have students listen for the popping sound.  Encourage students to smell the aroma of the fresh popcorn.  Students can then use their sense of touch to scoop the snack into a bowl, or into a bag for later, where they finally get to use their sense of taste!

Do you have a lot left over?  Or maybe the class wanted to make it again and again? Here is a great idea for making brightly colored flavored popcorn!  It makes a fun treat for holidays…or really any time.

Extending the Activity: Need a sensory table filler to go along with the activity?  You can purchase bulk popcorn kernels for students to dump, fill and pour!

Here is a free printable bag tag for your popcorn!

Looking for more 5 Senses activities?