An erupting volcano is one of the most popular science experiments that kids do in school. This teaches them about mixing different items to come up with different experiments.
A baking soda volcano is a good way to teach kids about the science lesson since it is fun and entertaining. Find out how you can make a baking soda volcano by following the steps below.
Materials that you need
For this experiment you need, vinegar, baking soda, dishwashing detergent, a funnel, red food coloring, water, vegetable oil, salt, flour tape, a 2-liter plastic soda bottle and a large pan that has sides.
Make the dough
You need to make the dough since you will be using this to mold the shape of the volcano. To do this, get your mixing bowl and measure 6 cups of flour, 2 cups each of salt and water and 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
Mix all the ingredients well until they are well blended. You should end up with a dough-like consistency.
Mold the volcano
Get your large pan and set the soda bottle at the middle. You can tape down the base of the bottle so that it doesn’t move when you are molding.
Use the dough that you made to create a volcano shape around the soda bottle. Make sure to cover every inch so that the bottle is not visible. Leave the top of the bottle open and be careful not to put some dough inside.
Paint the volcano
Let the dough dry before you paint the volcano. This makes your volcano more realistic and presentable. Use brown for the base and add some green spots for trees or grass. Allow the paint to dry completely before you proceed with the next steps.
Making the mixture
Heat some water on a small cooking pot. Add a few drops of red food coloring to the water. Use the funnel to pour the colored water inside the bottle.
Fill it up and just leave a little space for the other ingredients that you will add. Pour 2 tablespoons of baking soda inside the bottle.
Add a few drops of the dishwashing liquid. If you are planning to take the volcano to school or to another location, you should not add the vinegar yet. Place the bottle cap back on the bottle when you transport the volcano.
Making the volcano erupt
When you are ready to make the volcano erupt, carefully pour some vinegar in the bottle. The mixture will start to bubble and the red water will erupt out of the volcano.
You can also use other colors of food coloring if you want another color for the lava.
Now you know the easy steps on how you can make your own erupting volcano. This is a good activity that you can do with your kids to teach them about science.
Make sure that the measurements you use for the ingredients for the volcano are right. If you do not have the right measurements, there is a chance that the volcano will not erupt as planned.