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The Science of Popcorn

  The folklore of some Native American tribes told of spirits who lived inside each kernel of popcorn. The spirits were quiet and content to live on their own, but grew angry if their houses were heated. The hotter their homes became, the angrier they would become, shaking the kernels until the heat was too much. Finally, they would burst out of their homes and into the air as a disgruntled puff of steam. (How Does Popcorn Pop?, n.d., US Department of Agriculture) Beyond Folklore, popcorn is not only a tasty snack but also fascinating to watch and hear pop. But, why would a corn kernel pop and suddenly change appearance. Why would would it go from being one thing to something...

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