How to Create a Volcano in Preschool

Actual volcano eruption

Preschool and kindergarten-age children are ready to learn the basics of science. Volcanoes are easy to explain to children, and a live demonstration is an excellent way for the students to process and internalize the new topic. The following experiment should take the place after the basics of volcano eruptions have been explained to the children.

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar Red Food Coloring Baking soda Clear plastic cups, 3 oz. size Large paper plates Teaspoon

Instructions

1. 

   Distribute a large paper plate and a small cup to each child. Instruct the children to place the cups in the center of the plate.

2. 

   Pour a teaspoon of baking soda in each cup. (Older children can fill their own teaspoons and carefully pour the soda into their cups.)

3. 

   Mix vinegar with a few drops of red food coloring, to simulate the gushing lava.

4. Explain that as soon as the vinegar meets the baking soda, they will form a gas and that this gas will react and bubble over.

5. 

   Pour vinegar into the first cup. The mixture will immediately bubble up and fizz over the cup, into the plate. Repeat with all the remaining cups of baking soda. Enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• The resulting eruption will not be loud but it will be sudden, so explain what to expect.

Resources

• More on teaching about volcanoes