Time: 45–60 minutes
Big Idea: Learn how corn grows, why farmers grow it, and how it becomes food and products we use every day.
What You’ll Need:
- An ear of corn (fresh or frozen works) OR a small bag of popcorn kernels
- Paper plate
- Cup of water
- Paper towels
- Small plastic cup
- Spoon
- Paper and crayons/markers
Part 1. Taste and Talk
Do This:
Give your child a few popcorn kernels (not popped, just to look at) or show them an ear of corn.
Ask:
- What does corn look like?
- Have you had corn before? (Popcorn, corn on the cob, cornflakes, tortilla chips)
- Did you know corn can also be used for animal feed, fuel, and even crayons?
Part 2. Meet the Corn Plant
Do This:
Explain that corn plants have special parts:
- Roots – drink up water and nutrients.
- Stalk – holds the plant up tall.
- Leaves – catch sunlight to make food.
- Ears – where kernels grow.
Activity:
Draw a corn plant together. Label the roots, stalk, leaves, and ear. Talk about how each part helps the plant grow.
Part 3. Grow Like Corn
Steps:
- Place a few kernels of popcorn into a small cup.
- Add a damp paper towel and a little water so it’s moist (not soaked).
- Put the cup by a sunny window.
- Watch for sprouts in a few days!
Part 4. If I Were a Corn Plant…
Ask:
- How tall would you want to grow?
- Who would you feed if you were a corn plant—people, animals, or both?
Activity:
Have your child draw themselves as a corn plant. Let them add a funny twist—maybe they’re popcorn, corn on the cob, or cornflakes!
Part 5. Wrap-Up Discussion
- What parts of the corn plant did you learn about?
- How do farmers take care of corn plants?
- What’s your favorite way to eat corn?
