How to Make an Easy Baking Soda Volcano for School

Baking soda and vinegar volcanoes are a popular and crowd-pleasing exhibit for a science fair.

Baking soda volcanoes are one of the most popular science experiments because of their dramatic, showy effect. A baking soda and vinegar volcano demonstrates what happens when an acid – the vinegar – interacts with a base – the baking soda. Once combined, the two ingredients instantly produce a fizzing, foaming and gentle "eruption." The chemical reaction doesn't pack any force, but will certainly cause a good deal of mess.

Things You'll Need

• 2-liter soda bottle or tall glass vase with small opening
• Large paper plate
• Funnel
• 1/2 cup vinegar (any type)
• 2 tbsp. baking soda

Instructions

1. Put the soda bottle or glass vase on top of a large paper plate or pieces of newspaper.

2. Measure 1/2 cup vinegar and, using the funnel, pour it into the bottle.

3. Pour 2 tablespoons of baking soda into the bottle and get ready to watch the action. The reaction of the vinegar and the baking soda will happen instantly. Stand back to avoid getting splattered. The chemical reaction won't hurt you – the effect is similar to opening a shaken soda can – but it will definitely make a mess.

Tips & Warnings

• Mold clay around the vase or soda bottle to create the appearance of a real volcano.

• For a more dramatic eruption, add a few drops of food coloring and dish soap to the vinegar before adding the baking soda.

• If you're having difficulty getting the baking soda and vinegar in the bottle, cut the opening wider with some scissors or use a wider-rimmed vase.

References

• National Geographic Kids; How to Make Your Own Simulated Volcano; Patrick J Kiger

Resources

• Reeko's Mad Scientist Lab: Science Experiments