How to Make an Erupting Volcano

How-to Article

How-To
How to Make an Erupting Volcano

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Things To Grab

  • Cardboard
  • Plastic cup
  • Plaster of Paris
  • Paint (brown, red, and/or yellow) for volcano
  • Hy-Vee baking soda
  • Hy-Vee white vinegar
  • Hy-Vee dishwashing soap
  • Hy-Vee red food coloring
  • Safety goggles

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    Description

    Remember this simple experiment from science class? It's super easy to recreate an erupting volcano at home with your kids. Give it a try with our easy step-by-step how-to.

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    Directions

    1. Shap cardboard into a broad cone, forming a "crater" at the top with a small plastic cup. Cover the cone with plaster of Paris, being careful to keep plaster from the crater. Allow volcano to dry and paint as desired.

    2. In a plastic cup, mix 1/4 cup vinegar with a few drops each of dishwashing soap, water, and red food coloring.

    3. Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to a small empty plastic cup placed inside the volcano crater.

    4. Wearing goggles, quickly pour vinegar mixture into the cup holding the baking soda mixture. Stand back and watch the reaction!