🍿 Popcorn STEM Challenge

A Hands-On Volume Investigation for Grades 2–5

Looking for a highly engaging STEM activity your students will LOVE?

The Popcorn STEM Challenge is a student favorite! This easy-to-prep, one-day challenge introduces the concept of volume in a creative, hands-on way. Students design, build, test, and compare their own popcorn containers — and yes, some gigantic designs make the learning even more fun!

📚 Inspired by a Read-Aloud

This activity was inspired by The Popcorn Book by Tomie dePaola.

Picture books are a powerful springboard for STEM learning!

Using the book is optional — the challenge works perfectly on its own, and alternative book ideas are included in the Teacher Guide.

🎯 What’s the Challenge?

This one-day STEM experience will have students:

✔ Thinking critically about volume

✔ Designing a container for a specific amount of popcorn

✔ Following design rules and supply limitations

✔ Collaborating in teams

✔ Testing and evaluating their creations

✔ Presenting their final designs

Students must apply their understanding of volume while navigating real design constraints — just like real engineers!

🛠 What’s the Prep?

You’ll need a few simple materials:

✔ Popped popcorn

✔ Storage bags

✔ Copy paper

✔ Scissors

✔ Tape

✔ Staplers

Preparation includes counting the popcorn used for testing — but don’t worry! It only takes about 2 minutes and fills one large bowl (just one bowl total, not one per team).

Easy prep, big impact!

📦 What’s Included in the Lesson Guide?

✔ Complete materials list

✔ 6-page step-by-step Teacher Guide

✔ 2 versions of student recording sheets (with answer samples)

✔ 4 pages of example photos

✔ Extension ideas

✔ Ideas for incorporating The Popcorn Book

✔ Scoring rubric

✔ Editable student forms

Everything you need to run a smooth, successful challenge.

🧠 Skills Developed

✔ Understanding volume

✔ Engineering design process

✔ Collaboration & teamwork

✔ Critical thinking

✔ Problem-solving

✔ Presentation skills

🌟 What Teachers Are Saying

⭐ “Anything that mentions hands-on and popcorn in the same activity is a sure winner!”

⭐ “My students loved making their own containers… and it was a bonus that we got to eat popcorn after!”

🎉 Why You’ll Love It

✔ High engagement

✔ Cross-curricular math + science integration

✔ Works for grades 2–5

✔ Minimal prep

✔ Memorable learning experience

Bring engineering, math, and creativity together in one unforgettable activity — and let your students design their way to delicious success! 🍿✨