Why popcorn pops

 Popcorn is a special kind of corn that has a hard shell around each kernel. When you put popcorn in the microwave and heat it up, something really cool happens. Inside each kernel, there is a little bit of water trapped. When you heat the popcorn, the water inside the kernel gets really hot and turns into steam.

Now, imagine that the kernel is like a tiny, tight balloon. As the steam inside the kernel gets hotter, it starts to push against the hard shell of the kernel. It's like the kernel is trying to escape from the steam! But the shell is really strong, so it holds in all the pressure from the steam.

Then, suddenly, when the pressure inside the kernel gets too high, it's like a little explosion! The hard shell can't hold back the steam anymore, and it bursts open. That's when you see and hear the popcorn pop! It's like the kernel is turning into a fluffy, delicious piece of popcorn.

So, the next time you watch popcorn in the microwave, remember that it's like a little science show happening inside each kernel. The steam is building up and making the popcorn pop, and that's what makes it so much fun to watch and eat!