Everyone knows what happens when you put a bag of popcorn in the microwave or throw some kernels into the popcorn machine… It goes POP! POP! POP! POP! But, have you ever thought about why it makes that sound? It’s simple really… Every kernel of corn has a tiny droplet of water in it. When you heat the kernel the water turns to steam. Steam takes up more space than water, so it presses against the walls of the kernel. Then the corn expands and expands and then… Explodes!! Popppppppp!

What makes a skunk smell?

That ghastly spray is the skunk’s best defense and boy, does it work! No creature or human can stand being near a skunk with that odor. It comes from a fluid called musk which is produced and stored in a pair of glands under the animal’s tail.

Skunk Fun Fact:

A skunk can propel the spray about 10 feet!!

How do clouds form?

You see them floating in the sky, you’ve tried to see animals and objects in them… BUT! Have you ever thought about how they form? Well, if you’re wondering I’ll tell you… Millions of water droplets together form clouds. They start out as water vapor, the evaporated water that rises from lakes, oceans, rivers, and plants. Water vapor cools as it rises into the air and, as the temperature drops, it changes to liquid. These masses of tiny water droplets form clouds. When the clouds get to heavy, they fall to Earth as rain. They flow into lakes and rivers…and the whole process starts all over again!

What’s the difference between an alligator and a crocodile?

I’ve always wondered about this and now I’ve got the answer! An alligator has a broader, rounder snout. A crocodile’s snout is thinner and pointier. When a crocodile closes its mouth, the larger teeth on its bottom jaw rest in spaces on the outside of its upper jaw. In an alligator’s mouth, they rest on the inside of the jaw. Pretty simple to tell them apart, if you ever want to get near one!

How much does your brain weigh?

Did you know that your brain weights about 2% of your body weight! That’s 2 Pounds if you weigh 100. But, your brain needs about ten times more of your body’s resources-20% of the oxygen you breathe, 20% of the calories in the food you eat, and 15% of the blood you have. Your busy brain needs a lot of fuel to keep you going.

Now you’ve just learned some fun new facts, so the next time you invite some friends over for movie night or game night or whenever you want, see if they can answer some of these questions.