How to Make a Clay Volcano That Really Blows Up

Whether you wish to pass the time on a rainy day or prepare for a school science project, try this simple-to-make, wallet-friendly volcano. This volcano will not blow up and give an ooey gooey explosion of lava. Instead, you will see an impressive plume of ash that rockets toward the ceiling. Plan to spend an afternoon to complete this project from start to finish.

Things You'll Need

• Medium sized terra cotta pot
• 2 Cups flour
• 1 Cup salt
• 3/4 Cup water
• Mixing bowl
• Foil
• Baking sheet
• Oven
• Paint or Spanish moss and craft glue
• Empty film canister with lid
• Measuring spoon
• Alka-Seltzer tablets
• Volcanic ash or baby powder
• Safety goggles

Instructions

1. Make the salt dough by mixing the flour, salt and water in a large bowl. Mix the dough with your hands until all the ingredients are well mixed.

2. Turn the terra cotta pot upside down on a foil-lined baking sheet. Cover the outside of the pot with the salt dough to form the volcano.

3. Place an empty film canister on the top of the pot. Form the top of the volcano around the canister, building up the sides so the canister is not visible. Remove the canister from the volcano.

4. Lower the oven racks to the lowest setting. Heat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the volcano in the oven and bake it until the salt dough is hard, approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Remove the volcano and let it cool.

5. Paint the cooled volcano with tempera paints or attach Spanish moss with craft glue. Let the paint and/or glue dry.

6. Put the film canister back in the top of the volcano. Take the volcano to an area that will be safe for a dusty explosion. Put on a pair of safety goggles before you blow up the volcano.

7. Pour one teaspoon of water in the canister. Quickly drop half of an Alka-Seltzer tablet in the water and snap the lid firmly in place. Put one teaspoon of baby powder or real volcanic ash on the lid, and then step away. Wait a few seconds for the volcano to blow up.