This fun volcano science experiment for kids teaches chemical reactions. Learn how to make a volcano and then watch in amazement as it erupts.
This science experiment seemed easy, so we thought we would try it. My kids were looking forward to the volcano erupting.
Our first volcano eruption was a fail. We made the volcano too high and the “lava” didn’t bubble up high enough to pour out.
So we remade our sand volcano with lower sides and it worked perfectly.
We made our volcano out of sand because we had extra sand to use. If you don’t have sand, you could make your volcano out of soil or playdoh.
We didn’t use playdoh because I wasn’t sure if the vinegar mixture would ruin the playdoh. My kids did not want to get their playdoh ruined.
We added water to our sand to make it moldable. It was too dry out of the package to hold a volcano shape.
We made our volcano science experiment on a rimmed cookie sheet to contain the mess.
FYI, your kids may want to see this experiment more than once. I had to make the volcano erupt 3 times for my kids. They probably could have watched it all day.
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Volcano Science Experiment Supplies
- sand, soil, or playdoh to make the volcano shape
- 1 Tbsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1-3 drops of red food coloring (optional)
- cookie sheet or tray to make the volcano on
- small cup
- spoon
Volcano Science Experiment Instructions
Make a small volcano out of sand, soil, or playdoh on a cookie sheet or tray. Make a small mound with a hole in the middle.
If you make a large volcano, the “lava” will not erupt over the sides of the volcano.
Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda in the hole of the volcano.
In a small cup, mix 1/2 cup vinegar with several drops of red food coloring stir.
Pour the red colored vinegar in the hole of the volcano (the vinegar will be poured on top of the baking soda).
Watch your volcano “magically erupt.”
Ways To Modify This Craft
If you don’t have any supplies (sand or playdoh) to make a volcano, you can do this science experiment in a small paper cup. Just add the baking soda to the cup and then the vinegar.
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