How to Make an Erupting Volcano With Paper
One of the most common earth science projects is the erupting volcano. There are a variety of ways to make an erupting volcano, but most are based on the same basic steps, which involve layers of papier mache and some sort of eruption catalyst. You can make your own erupting volcano with paper in a day with some very basic materials.
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Things You'll Need
- Plastic bottle
- Chicken wire
- Modeling clay (optional)
- Cardboard
- Newspaper
- Papier mache
Instructions
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1
Make a base for your erupting volcano out of a scrap piece of wood or a heavy piece of cardboard.
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2
Place an empty 2-liter soda bottle on the middle of your base board.
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3
Wrap chicken wire around the 2-liter bottle to form a volcano shape. Keep the base of the volcano much wider than the top of the volcano. Be sure to keep the opening of the bottle uncovered.
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4
Mix up your papier mache and water according to the package directions.
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5
Tear 2-inch-wide strips of newspaper. Immerse them in the papier mache mixture. Slide your fingers down both sides of the newspaper strip to remove excess papier mache. Lay the strip across the chicken wire form.
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6
Continue to cover the frame with strips. Allow dry time between layers of papier mache.
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Paint and decorate the exterior of the volcano once it has dried completely.
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8
Pour 1 cup of vinegar into the opening of the soda bottle with a funnel.
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Add a few drops of red food coloring to the vinegar in the soda bottle.
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Make the volcano erupt by pouring 4 tbsp. of baking soda into the opening of the soda bottle all at once. Stand back as the volcano will erupt immediately.
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Tips & Warnings
If you prefer to make your volcano without chicken wire, you can use modeling clay to build up the volcano around the soda bottle, or tape crumpled up newspaper to the sides of the bottle until you have reached the desired shape and size for your volcano.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
