Why Are There Different Colors of Corn? Science Lesson
Corn isn’t just tasty; it comes in a rainbow of colors! Discover why corn kernels can be yellow, white, purple, red, and even blue in this No Sweat Nature Study Podcast episode.
Your family will learn how natural pigments, like carotenoids and anthocyanins, create these vibrant shades in corn and other plants, such as carrots and blueberries. Explore just a little about how these pigments work with corn’s genetics to create the many varieties we see today, too.
This episode is perfect to help your family understand more about an autumn staple crop!
Corn Kernel Nature Study
After listening to the podcast episode with your family, these make great discussion questions!
- What are some of the different colors you’ve seen on ears of corn?
- Can you remember the names of the pigments that give corn its colors?
- Which pigments are responsible for yellow corn and purple corn?
- What other fruits or vegetables have those same pigments?
- Do you know what maize means and where the word originally came from?
- Why did Native Americans grow different kinds of colorful corn?
- What foods or products can you think of that are made from corn?
- Name your favorite way to eat corn.
Maize Nature Study Video Class
Corn is also known as maize. In the upcoming No Sweat Nature Study video class about maize, students will sketch the life cycle of corn. Learn about its importance as a staple crop around the world today, especially for Native Americans and European settlers. This is the perfect autumn nature study!
Free Nature Observation Printable Packet for All Seasons
No matter what time of year you’re listening to this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, here’s a printable pack of nature observation activities for every season of the year!
Would you like to record a voicemail to answer this season’s nature study question?
At the end of each No Sweat Nature Study Podcast episode, Mrs. Cindy includes messages from a few of her friends. You can record a message that she might use on an upcoming episode!
All children must have their parent’s permission before leaving a recording. Parents are welcome to record an answer, too!
Each season, there will be a different question to answer. You can see this season’s question below. Think about your answer first, and then follow these simple directions:
- Click the button that says “Start recording”.
- Tell me your first name. (If you want to tell your age and/or where you live, feel free to do that.)
- You will have 60 seconds to answer the question but try to be concise.
- Push the play button to listen to your recording before sending it to be sure it is recorded correctly. If not, re-record it.
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