How to Make a Modeling-Clay Volcano

It seems as though every student ends up making a volcano sometime in her school career . Some people make them for fun, but usually volcanoes are made for school science projects and fairs. Traditionally, students have made these volcanoes from papier-mâché. To give your volcano a little something extra, try making it with play dough. A volcano made from play dough will be sturdier and look better because you can add more depth and details.

Things You'll Need

• Empty water bottle
• Scissors
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• Red food coloring
• Sheet of cardboard
• Glue
• 6 cups flour
• 2 cups salt
• Large bowl
• 2 cups water
• Assorted paint
• Paintbrushes
• 1 tbsp. baking soda

Instructions

1. Remove the lid from your water bottle and cut the neck with your scissors.

2. Add your vinegar and a few drops of red food coloring to your bottle. You can also add a few drops of liquid dish soap for a foamy look when your volcano "erupts."

3. Glue the bottom of your water bottle to the sheet of cardboard. Place the sheet of cardboard on a cookie sheet (or similar movable, hard surface) if you plan on moving it later. Allow to dry.

4. Add your flour and salt directly into your large bowl. Mix well.

5. Add your water slowly, mixing while you pour. You may not need the full 2 cups. You want the consistency of the play dough to be like that of regular baking dough.

6. Add the play dough to the base of your bottle, working your way up. Remember to smooth the play dough while you work. You want your volcano to be larger at the bottom than at the top. Leave an opening at the top so your volcano can "erupt". You may need to make several batches of play dough to make your volcano.

7. Allow your volcano to dry and then paint however you choose. Most people paint their volcanoes brown, red, black and green. The choice is up to you.

8. Pour your baking soda into the hole at the top of your volcano. The baking soda will react with the vinegar and cause an "eruption."

References

• Making a Volcano From Clay