How to Make Glowing Red Volcano Eruptions

Glow powder makes an ordinary model volcano extraordinary.

A model volcano is a science fair mainstay, but you can make it more interesting when the volcano erupts glowing lava. Construct the volcano out of clay or papier-mâché, building the base around a plastic drink bottle or, alternately, hollowing out a crater in the top of the model. Use the basic model volcano lava recipe -- with one extra ingredient.

Things You'll Need

• 2 tbsp. baking soda
• 1 tbsp. glow powder
• 1 scant tsp. liquid dish soap (optional)
• 2/3 cup white vinegar
• Red food coloring

Instructions

1. Mix together the baking soda and glow powder. Glow powder is the agent used to make glow-in-the-dark products and can be found at most craft stores or online. Buy red, orange or pink pigmented powder.

2. Pour this mixture into the plastic bottle or the crater of the volcano.

3. Add the liquid dish soap on top of this mixture. The dish soap is optional but it makes the lava foam, an impressive effect.

4. Combine the vinegar with a couple drops of red food coloring.

5. Turn off the lights, pour the vinegar mixture into the volcano, and watch the glowing red lava erupt from the volcano.

Tips & Warnings

• Glow powder is non-toxic, but it should not be breathed in for extended periods of time. Read the instructions on the side of the packet for full safety information.

References

• How Things Work Science Projects: How To Make A Volcano Project
• Risk Reactor: Glow in the Dark Pigments FAQ