Recipe for a Kids Volcano Science Experiment

One of the joys of being a kid involves exploring the surrounding world and figuring out how things work. Add in a good dose of creativity and imagination and the result is magic. Creating a volcano science experiment is a classic and fun science project that most kids enjoy. It can be the perfect project for a rainy day or for the upcoming science fair at school.

Gather Materials

To create your volcano science experiment, you will need to gather some basic materials. You will need modeling clay, a shot glass or empty film container, food coloring, baking soda, vinegar and dish soap. Be sure you have all of your materials ready before you begin the experiment.

Make Your Volcano

Use the modeling clay to create the actual volcano for your experiment. Do not be afraid to use interesting colored clay for your volcano, though you could stick with brown if you want it to be realistic. Modeling clay generally does not need time for drying or firing, so after you have formed your volcano, place your shot glass or film container in the center of the volcano. Make sure the hole at the top of your volcano is large enough so the container on the inside is not visible from the outside.

Find a Space to Experiment

The volcano experiment is extremely messy, so you will want to do this experiment outside or in an area that is easy to clean up. Garbage bags with newspaper on top make great areas for erupting volcanoes indoors.

Erupt Your Volcano

Place 2 tbsp. of baking soda inside your shot glass or film container. Next, add a five drops of food coloring. The color of food coloring you add will determine the color of your lava. Add 1 tbsp. of dish soap to the mix. Next, add 1 oz. of vinegar to the shot glass, and get ready for your volcano to erupt. Your volcano should erupt furiously and quickly as soon as the vinegar is added to the mix.

Experiment

Once you have erupted your volcano the first time, try experimenting with different amounts of baking soda, vinegar, dish soap and food coloring. Make note of which amounts result in the greatest eruption and which food coloring combination creates the lava color you like best.

Resources

• Make Your Own Volcano