How to Make a Volcano Experiment

Lava flows out of a volcano in the same way a baking soda mixture flows from an experimental volcano.

The volcano experiment is arguably a classic one, one that many people think of when they envision a science experiment. Interestingly enough, it is near impossible to create a volcano that actually mimics the way that a real volcano forms. A true volcano is caused by pressure building up beneath the surface of the earth, which eventually causes magma to rise from the volcano. The volcano in this experiment forms due to a chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar.

Things You'll Need

• Clay
• Two 3 oz. plastic cups
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 tbsp. dish soap
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• Chalk
• Ruler or tape measure

Instructions

1. Build a mountain out of clay and scoop out enough of the insides so that a 3-ounce plastic cup will fit snugly. Build a second mountain out of more clay, but make this one wider and much less steep.

2. Push a cup into each of the openings, right side up, and let the clay harden.

3. Place one volcano directly on a large area of pavement, such as a driveway. Add 1/8 cup of baking soda and 1/2 tablespoon of dish soap into the cup and mix well.

4. Pour 1/8 cup of vinegar into the cup and step back. The volcano will explode.

5. Draw a chalk line around the area that has become wet from the explosion. This will show how far the liquid went.

6. Repeat the experiment with the second volcano after the area has dried completely,

7. Compare the distances that the two explosions reached.

Tips & Warnings

• Add red food coloring to the volcano to make it more realistic.

• Research the different types of volcanos to see which ones your models most resemble.

• Do not put your face near the volcano during the explosion.

References

• Science Bob: Make Your Own Volcano
• Crystal Clear Science Fair Projects; Volcano Science Project; William and Regina Bailey