How to Make a Volcano

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

Make a Volcano Make a Volcano

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Make a lava-spewing volcano as a science project or just for fun. If you have children, let them help you because this is something the whole family can make together. So gather up are the material you need and start building your very own volcano.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Empty 2-liter bottle
  • Spray or acrylic paints
  • Clear sealant
  • Baking soda
  • Liquid dish soap
  • White vinegar
  • Brushes
  • Papier-mâché paste or salt dough or plaster
  • Plywood sheet
  • Newspaper
  • Red food coloring

Step1
Use a sheet of plywood at least 8 inches wider and longer than your planned volcano to make the base, to prevent the lava from staining surfaces during eruptions.
Step2
Use salt dough, plaster or papier-mâché to form a mountain around an empty 2-liter bottle placed upright at the center of the plywood base. Be sure to leave the lid off.
Step3
Form the model volcano's open top tightly around the mouth of the bottle.
Step4
Make ridges and channels beginning at the volcano's top and ending at the base of the volcano for the lava to flow through.
Step5
Let the volcano dry completely, then paint it with acrylics or spray paint. Plastic aquarium plants can be clipped and glued to the volcano for trees.
Step6
Spray the volcano and plywood with a clear sealant after the paint has dried.
Step7
Mix 1 tbsp. liquid dish washing soap, 1 tbsp. baking soda and a few drops of red food coloring in a cup.
Step8
Pour the mixture carefully into the bottle.
Step9
Set the volcano in an open area, preferably outside.
Step10
Pour 1/4 c. white vinegar into the bottle and stand back to watch your volcano erupt!

Tips & Warnings

  • Use wadded-up newspaper balls around the bottle to give the volcano its shape under a layer of plaster or papier-mâché paste, but make sure the surface layer of the volcano is solid, so that it can be sealed for re-use.
  • If the lava is too thick, add 1 tbsp. water to the soap mix.
  • To re-use the volcano, simply clean it off with a damp rag.
  • Do not attempt to seal the bottle once the vinegar is added to the baking soda mixture--the resulting pressure could cause the bottle to explode.
  • With drying time, making a volcano is at least a two-day project.

Comments

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on 4/29/2008 This is wonderful! I remember my mom helping me make this in the 4th grade and loving it. What a great memory.

bookmom said

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on 4/29/2008 This sounds like a lot of fun. I may have to give it a try!

bookmom said

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on 4/29/2008 This sounds like a lot of fun. I may have to give it a try!

gerda said

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on 4/29/2008 thanks for the tip my daughter is looking for a sciense project.this sounds great wi'll try immediately.

gpcs said

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on 4/29/2008 "I don't know where I'm gonna go when the volcano blows" - Jimmy Buffett. A friend did this for her son's birthday party. It was a huge hit.
-George

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eHow Article:  How to Make a Volcano

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